WT/TPR/M/391/Add.1  
14 January 2020  
(20-0393) Page: 1/59 
Trade Policy Review Body  
11 and 13 September 2019  Original : English /Spanish  
anglais/ espagnol  
inglés /espa ñol 
 
  
TRADE POLICY REVIEW  
SURINAME  
MINUTES  OF THE MEETING  
Addendum  
Chairperson: H.E. Mr. Manuel A.J. Teehankee (Philippines)  
This document contains the advance written questions  and additional questions by WTO 
Members , and replies provided by  Suriname .1 
 
 
Organe d'examen des politiques commerciales  
11 et 13 septembre 2019  
EXAMEN DES POLITIQUE S COMMERCIALES  
SURINAME  
COMPTE RENDU DE LA R ÉUNION  
Addendum  
Président : S.E.  M. Manuel A.J. Teehankee (Philippines)  
Le présent document contient les questions écrites communiquées à l'avance par les 
Membres de l'OMC, leurs questions additionnelles, et les réponses  fournies par  Suriname .1 
 
 
Órgano de Examen de las Políticas Comercia les 
11 y 13 de septiembr e de 2019  
EXAMEN DE LAS POLÍTI CAS COMERCIALES  
SURINAME  
ACTA DE LA REUNIÓN  
Addendum  
Presidente: Excmo.  Sr. Manuel A.J. Teehankee (Filipinas)  
En el presente documento figuran las preguntas presentadas anticipadamente por escrito  y 
las preguntas adicionales de los Miembros de la OMC,  así como las respues tas facilitadas por  
Suriname .1 
  
                                                
1 In English only./ En anglais seulement./En inglés solamente.  WT/TPR/M/3 91/Add.1  
 
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  Contents  
PERU  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ . 3 
CANADA  ................................ ................................ ................................ ............................  6 
EUROPEAN UNION  ................................ ................................ ................................ ..........  12 
UNITED STATES  ................................ ................................ ................................ ..............  16 
BRAZIL  ................................ ................................ ................................ ............................  26 
ARGENTINA  ................................ ................................ ................................ .....................  28 
ICELAND  ................................ ................................ ................................ .........................  29 
CHINA  ................................ ................................ ................................ .............................  30 
CHINA – ADDITIONAL Q UESTIONS  ................................ ................................ .................  36 
COLOMBIA  ................................ ................................ ................................ ......................  38 
COLOMBIA – ADDITIONA L QUESTIONS  ................................ ................................ ...........  45 
INDONESIA  ................................ ................................ ................................ .....................  49 
SINGAPORE  ................................ ................................ ................................ .....................  52 
TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO  ................................ ................................ ................................ . 54 
DOMINICAN REPUBLIC  ................................ ................................ ................................ ... 55 
DOMINICAN REPUBLIC – ADDITIONAL QUESTION S ................................ ........................  57 
 
  WT/TPR/M/3 91/Add.1  
 
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  PERU  
WT/TPR/S/391  
Párrafo 4.47  
La Fundación para la Ordenación y Vigilancia de la Producción Forestal (Stichting voor 
Bosbeheer en Bostoezicht  (SBB)), del Ministerio de Planificación del Espacio y Ordenación 
Territorial y Forestal, es responsable de formular y aplicar la política y redactar legislación 
sobre silvicultura y ordenación forestal. La División de Conservación de la Naturaleza, del 
Ministerio, se encarga de las actividades relacionadas con la conservación y la caza. La 
legislación principal relacionada con la silvicultura comercial, la ordenación forestal, las 
actividades forestales y la primera transformación de la madera es la Ley de  Ordenación 
Forestal SB Nº 80, de 1992. Además, la Ley de Conservación de la Naturaleza GB Nº 26, 
de 1954, la Ley de Caza GB Nº 25, de 1954, y el Decreto de Caza, de 2002, contienen 
disposiciones relativas a la conservación de los bosques y la vida silvest re.  
Párrafo 4.48  
En el Plan de Elaboración de Políticas 2017 -2021, la silvicultura y las industrias conexas 
se califican de centro de producción con potencial de expandirse y permitir al mismo 
tiempo que Suriname siga siendo uno de los países más verdes d el mundo. Los objetivos 
específicos del Plan son elevar la producción mediante la consecución de varias metas, 
como una mejora de la eficiencia, la investigación y el recurso a productos forestales no 
madereros. Al mismo tiempo, el Plan prevé medidas para mejorar la vigilancia, 
incrementar la transparencia y aplicar satisfactoriamente el programa REDD+.  
Pregunta  
Respecto al Plan de Elaboración de Políticas 2017 -2021, ¿podría Surinam brindar detalles 
sobre las medidas previstas en dicho Plan para mejorar la vigilancia e incrementar la 
transparencia respecto a la silvicultura y las industrias conexas?  
Answer  
The Ministry of Spatial Planning, Land and Forest Management, has taken the lead to review its 
complete log tracking system and the related working proced ures. This is done in a close 
collaboration with the private sector, because they will play a more important role within the new 
system. The new system, named SFISS (Sustainable Forestry Information System Suriname) has 
the following main objectives:  
Objective 1: Reduce illegal timber logging  - the key principle will be that all harvested trees are 
planned for harvesting. This measure was implemented in May 2019. It will be possible to track 
every log back to the stump location. Additionally, field inspect ions will be organized more targeted 
and strategic thus allowing for more effective use of the limited resources. Data on the status of logs 
will be made available in real time for the forest guards in order to reduce the response time, and 
to the private sector providing transparency on the origin and the dimensions of the logs.  
Objective 2: Promote sustainable forest management  - when a team is carrying out a field 
inspection, a crosscheck will be made between the planning and the practice. This will all ow for an 
efficient inspection focusing on events such as logging in buffer zones and logging outside the 
harvest area. Measurable indicators will be developed over the coming years that can allow for a 
quick assessment of the quality and the impact of the  operation in the field. This information that 
will be collected by the forest guards can then be used to guide the forestry operators towards more 
sustainable operations. The collected indicators are directly derived from the draft Code Of Practice 
for Su stainable Logging activities, and could be the basis for a national certification scheme.  
Objective 3: Support the development of a more professional interaction between the private and 
public sector  - Currently  the SBB is managing a lot of the information generated by the private 
sector. Data from 1 log can be inserted up to 10 times within the database. Within SFISS, the private 
sector - particularly the large enterprises  - will have to submit their own data. Th e accuracy of the WT/TPR/M/3 91/Add.1  
 
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  data they deliver, and the quality of their operations will determine how quickly their administrative 
tasks can be handled. The transparency provided by SFISS will not only speed up processes, but 
also increase the accountability of all key players within the forestry sector.  
Suriname Foundation for Forest Management and Control (SBB) is the technical working arm of the 
Ministry of Spatial Planning, Land and Forest Management. SBB was established on 22 August 1998. 
Its mission is to prom ote the sustainable and rational use of the forests of Suriname and to exercise 
monitoring and control of forest exploitation, timber processing and wood exports in continuous 
collaboration with the stakeholders. SBB operates with a mandate of The Suriname  Forest Service.  
SBB was established as a step towards a fully -fledged forest and nature management authority 
(BOSNAS) with the aim of becoming financially self -supportive, amongst others through generation 
of royalties. This process is nearing its conclusion in the near f uture.  
The tasks of the SBB are in particular:  
1. To draft the legislation and technical prescriptions regarding forestry;  
2. To represent the government in matters of forest management and trade in wood 
(products) in national and international organizations;  
3. To draft and develop forest policies in collaboration with stakeholders in the forestry 
sector;  
4. To monitor the implementation of the National Forest Policy;  
5. To enforce the Forest Management Act, other laws and technical guidelines and 
regulations concerning  forestry, logging, transport, processing and export of wood 
(products);  
6. To collect, process, disseminate and analyze data regarding forest exploration, forest 
management, wood industry and export;  
7. To coordinate the national forest development planning and  to support the development 
of the logging and wood -processing sector ; 
8. The coordinate the implementation of the NFMS and the formulation of the FREL within 
the country's REDD+ program.  
With the rise in computing power, new data acquisition, storage and ana lysis methods, and the 
current circumstances such as the increase of log productions and the increased role of forest in 
climate change, the SBB is determined to optimally utilize these trends and methods to conserve 
the country's status of being the leade r in high forest cover, low deforestation, promote sustainable 
forestry, and involve all stakeholders including the local communities in forestry related activities in 
a sustainable manner.  
1. Promote the export of processed wood and discourage the export of  roundlogs.  
• Draft Project proposal to strengthen the local processing industries for GCF  
• Increase the export tax of round logs while setting the export tax for processed wood to 
zero 
• Support the private sector to utilize wood waste  
2. Promote the collection,  processing and the trade of non -forest timber products.  WT/TPR/M/3 91/Add.1  
 
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  Still in the initial phase.  
• Promote the FAO -SAMAP project  
• Collaboration with the Forest Based NGO's to promote Non - Forest Timber Products.   WT/TPR/M/3 91/Add.1  
 
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  CANADA  
SUMMARY  
Page 7 , paragraph  9 
Rules and various fiscal incentives for investment are laid down in the Investment Law, 
2001. A new Investment Law has been under preparation since 2004, but it had not been 
adopted as at early 2019. It has been observed that the overall investment regime,  and 
the approval of foreign direct investment in particular, may be discretionary, leading to 
unpredictability and associated risks of favouritism and lack of transparency. The 
Investment Development Corporation of Suriname, established in 2013 to promote  
investment, was closed. Under a State Decree of March 2017, Suriname is establishing a 
new public institution, Investsur, which will be responsible for facilitating investment 
projects.  
Question  
1. Can Suriname please provide more information on Investsur?  
Answer  
An investment guide from InVestSur  is available for distribution.  
Question  
2. According to the TPR, Suriname has observed its overall investment regime has led 
to unpredictability and associated risks of favouritism and lack of transparency. How will 
the new Investsur ensure this does not happen for its future investment regime?  
Answer 
We have revised legislation on anti - corruption law, law on annual reports, law on chartered 
accountants. There is a draft revised Investment law with protection of the investor.  
Question  
3. What does the Investsur hope to achieve in terms of Suriname’s  foreign direct 
investment?  
Answer  
Be a bridge for the government and local entrepreneurs and attract more foreign investment and 
bring transparency.   
ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT  
1.3 Developments in Trade and Investment  
Page 13 , paragraph  1.17 
FDI plays an important role in Suriname's capital formation; annual inflows exceeded 
USD 300 million in 2016, but fell in 2017 (Table 1.3). The authorities indicated that mining 
activities attract most of the foreign investment.  
Question  
4. Earlier in the report, it state s that there is lack of an investment law; however, FDI 
plays an important role in Suriname’s capital formation. As such, what protections are 
there for foreign investors/investments in the country?  WT/TPR/M/3 91/Add.1  
 
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  Answe r 
This will be included in the revised Investment law, were the protection of investment will be a part 
of this revised law.  
2.3 Trade Agreements and Arrangements  
Page 22 , paragraph  2.49 
After investigating an investment proposal, InVestSur is required to p resent its 
conclusions and recommendations to the Government, and make them publicly available, 
to improve transparency and objectivity. The Government makes the final decision 
regarding the approval and acceptance of investments, by specifically consideri ng the 
following criteria:  
• employment creation and use of local labour, services, knowledge and materials;  
• economic diversification effect;  
• knowledge transfer;  
• environmental effect;  
• no government guarantees sought;  
• geographical spread or effect;  
• fiscal effects; and  
• regional effects (hub function of Suriname).  
Question  
5. According to the charts on p. 15 ( Table 1.3), Suriname’s FDI experienced a 
significant decrease in 2017. Since Investsur ’s launch in 2018, has FDI 
increased/improved?  
Answer  
In 2018  the FDI increased.  
Question  
6. As per the paragraph referenced above, Investsur  is required to present its 
conclusions and recommendations to the Government and make them publicly available. 
Are they available now? If not, when would the public be able to view them?  
Answer  
The Financial Policy is under strict review due to the Nation al Risk Assessment (NRA). All policies 
are pending advice from the NRA committee.  
2.4 Investment Regime  
Page 23 , paragraph  2.54 
All in all, the business environment remained stable but was mostly unregulated. While 
the Government supports and tries to prom ote a business -friendly economy, in particular 
through investments, definitive steps to legislate and regulate are not taken. The absence 
of clear procedures and processes in the registration of businesses, or the application of WT/TPR/M/3 91/Add.1  
 
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  unclear ones, led to contin ued low scores in the World Bank's rankings, and to the 
conclusion that Suriname's investment and business climate is negatively affected by a 
general lack of transparency and clarity.  
Question  
7. It states that the Government supports and aims to promote a business -friendly 
economy, particularly through investments. However, the definitive steps to legislate and 
regulate are not taken. It seems Suriname hopes that InVestSur will help mitigate this 
but will appropriate steps be taken to ensure investments, including FDI, are protected 
through proper legislation and regulation? If so, how?  
Answer  
Investsur is also in national consultation with the stakeholders to take on board all concerns in the 
draft investment law.   
3.3 Measures Affecting Production and Trade  
Page 38 , paragraph  3.88 
Despite a recent update (2015) to enhance transparency, the government procurement 
process remains ambiguous, and is not fully up to international standards. To an extent, 
this is because there is no stand -alone law on procurement; but it is also because present 
rules allow for numerous alternatives and flexibilities. Work is underway with the 
Inter -American Development Bank (IDB) and CARICOM to improve and standardi ze the 
procurement system in Suriname.  
Questions  
8.    Could Suriname please discuss the progress in its work with the IDB and CARICOM in 
improving its procurement system. What measures are intended to be implemented 
through this exercise?  
9.    Will this work bring Suriname’s procurement system to a level that meets 
international standards?  
Answer s 8 and 9  
We passed the government procurement law in 2107 and amended in 2019 to further regulate the 
government procurement and with the new amendment we are co mplying to international standards.   
Question  
10.   Could Suriname please provide information about its present rules related to 
procurements along with alternatives and flexibilities.  
Answer  
http://www.dna.sr/media/195923/Comptabiliteitswet_2017.pdf   
Page 39 , paragraph  3.90 
An open tender is published at least 42 days before the actual procurement, and its final 
outcome a nd award can be seen by the contractors that lost the bid. None of this is subject 
to dispute settlement, as no provisions exist.  WT/TPR/M/3 91/Add.1  
 
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  Question  
11. Is there any other administrative or judicial system available for unsuccessful 
bidders to challenge the procurin g entity’s decisions? If so, are foreign bidders also able 
to seek recourse under these mechanisms?  
Answer  
… 
Question  
12. Could Suriname please indicate whether there were any plans by the government to 
implement a dispute settlement system? If so, Canada would be interested in further 
information about Suriname’s proposed system and the timelines for implementation.  
Answer  
… 
Page 39 , paragraph  3.93 
In September 2015, the Accounting Law was amended to strengthen the procurement 
provisions and to ensu re increased transparency towards applied procedures, the final 
award and the costs involved. The President can still deviate from these conditions if it is 
considered in the interest of the country, but is bound by the public nature of a tender.  
Question  
13. Could Suriname provide the website address to the amended (2015) Accounting Law?  
Answer  
http://www.dna.sr/wetgeving/ontwerpwetten -bij-dna/goedgekeurd/ontwerpwet -instituut -
chartered -accountants/   
Question  
14. Could Suriname describe the conditions where the President has discretion to 
deviate from the conditions set out in the amended Accounting Law.  
Answer  
… 
Question  
15. Grateful if Suriname could provide examples of when this discretionary measure in 
procurement was exercised . 
Answer  
… 
Page 39 , paragraph  3.100  
A draft bill on intellectual property rights (IPR) has been pending for several years. In it, 
legislation regarding patents, trademarks, copyright, and the protection of innovations 
based on geographical indications is expected to be included.  WT/TPR/M/3 91/Add.1  
 
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  Question  
16. Could Suriname provide an update on what it considers are the next steps for the 
IPR draft bill?  
Answer  
Suriname's legislation requires that all draft bills should be reviewed by certain entities. At the 
moment the draft IPR bill is being revi ewed by the legal department of Parliament. After review it is 
a prerogative of Parliament to decide when they are ready to approve this draft bill.  
Note: This is the last phase of the steps needed to be taken for the legislation to enter into force.  
Appro val by the State Council and the Parliament .  
Question  
17. Are there particular model jurisdictions of IPR policy that Suriname is using to 
develop its proposed  legislation?  
Answer  
The model jurisdiction of IPR policy which Suriname uses to develop its proposed legislation is mainly 
based on the Dutch civil law system.  
Suriname is working with draft legislation from WIPO and CARICOM.  
4.4 Services  
Page 64 , paragraph  4.109  
Suriname has identified the enlargement of the Suriname River [and Nickerie River], and 
the subsequent increased accessibility for larger Panamax ships and oil tankers as the 
most immediate challenge to maritime transport. According to the authorities, dredging 
plans and demands are ready, and a tender is imminent. The process until the a ctual work 
begins is expected to take between 6 and 12 months. Costs involved are estimated at 
around SRD 150 million (CAD 26.7  million).  
Question  
18. Is the procurement for dredging services on the Nickerie River open to international 
bidders?  
Answer  
Yes, it is open to international bidders.  
WT/TPR/G/ 391 
2.1 Economic Climate  
Page 5 , paragraph  2.10 
The Parliament is in the process of finalizing the anti -corruption law.   
Question  
19. Could Suriname please provide more information on the anti-corruption law? Does 
this law apply to foreign direct investment within Suriname?  WT/TPR/M/3 91/Add.1  
 
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  Answer  
http://www.dna.sr/wetgeving/surinaamse -wetten/wetten -na-2005/anti -corruptiewet/  
3.1 Key Sectors  
Page 7 , paragraph  3.18 
The operationalization of InVestSur for inv estment promotion and the development of a 
national investment strategy plan titled Suriname's vision 2035. InVestSur shall assist 
and assign incentives to investors, implement the national development strategy, the 
national planning and macroeconomic poli cy will be recorded. The long -term goal is to 
achieve economic growth by producing and exporting more diversified products.  
Question  
20. Is there more information you can provide on Suriname’s Vision 2035?  
Answer  
We will publish it online when it is available.   
Question  
21. How will it affect foreign direct investment and investors?  
Answer  
… 
  WT/TPR/M/3 91/Add.1  
 
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  EUROPEAN UNION  
WT/TPR/S/391  
SUMMARY  
Page 6, para graph  5 
According to the Secretariat's report: '' Suriname's institutional environment remains 
unchanged since the last Review. It is characterized by a strong backlog in adopting 
important trade -related laws. Crucial legislation, on topics such as customs, foreign 
investment, mining, trade facilitation, value -added taxes, competition, standards, and 
intellectual property, has been pending, often for more than ten years. In practice, a 
relatively large discretionary decision power and the practice of "ad hocism " have led to 
low predictability of the trade regime, concerns about governance issues, and high costs 
of doing business''  
Question  
1. What are the specific steps and measures taken by Suriname to increase the 
predictability of its trade regime and lower costs of doing business?  
Answer  
The Republic of  Suriname has enacted the following:  
• Souvereign wealth fund  
• Law on Electronic transactions  
• Law on the Limited liability companies  
• Anti-Corruption law  
• Law on chartered accountants  
• Law on Government procurement  
• Law on companies and professions  
• Law on the Kimberly process certification (this is to facilitate our newly discovered natural 
resource namely diamond)  
• Law on annual reports .  
In draft we have now legislation regarding:  
• Intellectual Property  
• Tourism  
• Privacy law  
• Revised Investment law  
• Law on the banning of single use plastic . 
These laws have been enacted and drafted to increase our transparency.  WT/TPR/M/3 91/Add.1  
 
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  Implementation of SESW to simplify the processes of administrative procedures for import, export 
and transit of goods.  And also increase transparency, predictability.  
Page 6, paragraph . 7 
According to the Secretariat's report ''… Suriname also grants preferential treatment to 
imports from Cuba, the Dominican Republic, and the European Union. As the Economic 
Partnership Agreement with the European Union has not yet been ratified, a provisional 
EPA is used in practice''  
Question  
2. Are there any reasons for a delay in ratification of the CARIFORUM EU Economic 
Partnership Agreement? Is there any, even provisiona l, timetable for the ratification vote 
in the Surinamese National Assembly?  
Answer  
The Parliament has to put the ratification of EPA on the agenda.  
Page 7, para graph  10 
According to the Secretariat's report the involvement of a customs broker in import an d 
export operation is obligatory.  
Question  
3. Does Suriname plan to depart from the policy of an obligatory use of customs 
brokers in import -export operations?  
Answer  
The use of customs brokers is not mandatory. Simplification of import - export procedures will be 
realized with the implementation of t he Suriname Electronic Single Window.  
2 TRADE AND INVESTMENT REGIMES  
2.3.3 EU – CARIFORUM Economic partnership Agreement  
Page 21, para graph 2.40 
According to the Secretariat's report: '' The EPA allows for immediate duty -free and quota -
free market access f or all goods originating in CARIFORUM States, except for rice and 
sugar, which both had a phase -in period with a regional tariff quota at zero duty. On 
1 January 2010, customs duties and quotas on rice originating from all CARIFORUM States 
were eliminated.  In 2015, all duties and quotas on sugar were removed. CARIFORUM tariff 
elimination commitments cover 87% of EU exports (90.2% of tariff lines), and are to be 
implemented over a 25 -year period''.  
Question  
4. How Suriname is implementing its EPA tariff eli mination commitments? Are there 
any delays in implementation of the tariff elimination schedule and, if so what are the 
reasons for that what are the plans to address this situation?  
Answer  
We already implemented the first and second phase of the list and also the zero rated products. We 
are waiting on the ratification to implement the other phases. (Our legislation doesn't allow for 
provisional application).  WT/TPR/M/3 91/Add.1  
 
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  3 TRADE POLICIES AND PRACTICES BY MEASURE  
3.1.3 Bindings  
Page 28, para graph  3.24 
According to the Secretariat's report: ''Applied rates exceed bound rates for 597 tariff 
lines, or 9.5% of Suriname's tariff. This happens mainly for boilers, machinery, and 
technical appliances ( 112) tariff lines); edible fruits and nuts (61 lines); edible vegetables 
(56 lines); and live animals (32 lines)''.  
Question  
5. For the aforementioned tariff  lines where the authorities are charging importers 
more than the bound tariff:  
(a) What was the reason for doing so?  
Answer  
The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Tourism is in the process of renegotiating its bound rates.  
(b) Can importers obtain a refund of any over -payments they might have made?  
Answer  
No. 
(c) Does Suriname have any plans to address this situation?  
Answer  
We are in article XXVIII GATT discussions.  
Page 38 , paragraph  3.78 
According to the Secretariat's report: "Suriname does not have a g eneric competition law. 
A Competition Law and a Consumer Protection Law (Conceptwet 
Consumentenbescherming) have been under preparation for many years. According to the 
authorities, no date for enactment is foreseen. Both draft laws also cover state -owned 
enterprises. " 
Question  
6. The EU would like to know by when the authorities will adopt the Competition Law, 
how they intend to inforce  it subsequently and it there are measures taken in the 
meantime to avoid distortions of competition by market players.  
Answer  
Suriname does not have a generic competition law. A Competition Law and a Consumer Protection 
Law (Concept wet Consumentenbesche rming) have been under preparation for many years. Both 
laws will be submitted after the recess of the Parliament (end September 2019) as initiative laws. 
Depending on the work scheme of the Parliament, these laws will be put on the agenda.  WT/TPR/M/3 91/Add.1  
 
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  4 TRADE POLICIES BY SECTOR  
4.1.1.3.3 Domestic policies  
Paragraph 4.15  
Question  
7. Suriname has not made any DS:1 notifications. In the ongoing discussion on 
transparency and discussion in Committee on Agriculture Special Session on future limits 
within the Agreement on Agriculture. It is important to have an up -to-date view of current 
support measures in all WTO members.  
(a) Does Suriname intend to prepare DS:1 notifications for the years 2015 and 
afterwards?  
Answer  
We would like request technical assistanc e in this matter. Not only for agriculture but all notification 
procedures within the WTO.  
(b) Can Suriname indicate a possible timeline for such notifications?  
Answer  
No 
(c) Would technical assistance be needed?  
Answer  
Yes 
4.4.3 Telecommunications  
According to the paragraph  4.101 of the Secretariat's report: "In 2012, a commission was 
set up to develop a new Telecom Law, extending coverage to mobile, text and data 
services. The process is expected to be finalized in 2019. "  
Questi on 
8. Could Suriname provide an update on the developments in this new Telecom law, 
focusing, among others, on how the new law will address the measures mentioned in 
paragraph  4.100 of the Secretariat's report that are considered to restrict competition 
(e.g., the fact that service licences are only granted to enterprises legally incorporated in 
Suriname or that call -back services are expressly forbidden)?  
Answer  
The draft law that will replace the current law, still requires a company to be legally incorpo rated in 
Suriname in order for them to receive licenses any services, which require setting up physical 
infrastructure. The draft law also takes away the separation of fixed and mobile license. Companies 
will only require 1 license to provide fixed and mob ile solutions.  
 
  WT/TPR/M/3 91/Add.1  
 
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  UNITED STATES  
WT/TPR/S/391  
SUMMARY  
Page 6 -8, paragraphs 5 and 22  
The Secretariat Report notes that Suriname's institutional environment remains 
unchanged since the last trade policy review. It points out that there is a backlog in 
adopting important trade -related laws and that a draft bill on intellectual property has 
been pending for several years.  
Question  
1. What is the status of this bill?  
Answer  
At the moment t he draft IPR bill is being reviewed by the legal department of Parliament. After 
review it is a prerogative of Parliament to decide when they are ready to appr ove this draft bill.  
Note: The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Tourism is in the process of lobbying in order to prioritize 
review of the draft bill and getting it on the agenda for approval. This is the last phase in order for 
the bill to enter into force . 
Question  
2. Does it cover all forms of intellectual property, or just some?  
Answer  
This bill covers patents, utility models, industrial designs, trademarks and trade names, geographical 
indications and border measures.  
Question  
3. How long has the draft IPR b ill been pending, and please explain the reasons for its 
delay.  
Answer  
As of 2007 the IP bureau applied corrections in accordance with the suggestions of the WIPO. In 
2016 when the IP bureau was assigned to the Ministry Trade, Industry and Tourism the dra ft bill 
was, with the modifications, submitted to Parliament. In conclusion the latest draft bill has been 
pending for 3 years.  
Note: It has been approved by the entities which have to review the bill in order for it to be submitted 
to Parliament. Parliam ent is the last body of government which has to review the bill in order for it 
to be adopted and for the bill to enter into force.  
2 TRADE AND INVESTMENT REGIMES  
2.2 Trade Policy Formulation and Objectives  
Page 19, paragraph 2.25  
The Secretariat Report points out that Suriname wants to stimulate use of domestic 
products for export -oriented production and intends to seek out capacity building in a 
number of areas, including intellectual property.  WT/TPR/M/3 91/Add.1  
 
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  Question  
4. What kind of IPR capacity building is Suriname seeking?  
Answer  
The capacity building strategy is to upgrade the level of the staff of the IP bureau, involve and inform 
IP stakeholders, entrepreneurs and other relevant parties on IP rules, requirements, standards, 
regulations and m anagement. The ultimate purpose is to address and solve problems related to 
Suriname's IP policy and methods of further development of it, while taking into consideration the 
potential limits and needs of everyone involved in IP (private and public stakeho lders).  
Question  
5. What actions has Suriname taken to date regarding IPR capacity building?  
Answer  
Regarding IPR capacity building in 2018 Suriname conducted a needs assessment in order to 
formulate and implement a modern Industrial Policy by strengthening the capacity of Surinamese 
institutions in matters of Intellectual Property. With the results of this assessment at the moment 
Suriname is busy conducting stakeholder sessions in order to encourage innovation and stimulate 
entrepreneurs. This is the main a nd most important action taken regarding IPR capacity building. 
But on -site and online training of the Staff of the IP bureau (with help of the WIPO, international 
and regional professionals) are also a mode applied by the Surinamese government to strength en 
its IPR capacity building and its IPR policy.  
3 TRADE POLICIES AND PRACTICES BY MEASURE  
3.1 Measures Directly Affecting Imports  
3.1.1 Customs procedures, valuation, and requirements  
Page 25, paragraph 3.12  
According to the Secretariat Report, Suriname's law to ratify the WTO Trade Facilitation 
Agreement (TFA) is currently before Parliament.  
Question  
6. Could Suriname please provide details on when it expects Parliament to pass the 
law and subsequently send the  TFA's instrument of acceptance to the WTO?  
Answer  
Suriname has prepared a draft legislation on the acceptance of the TFA and also the TRIPS protocol 
that has been submitted to the Council of Ministers. After their approval the ratification process will 
be put in place.  
Page 25, paragraph 3.13  
Suriname has not notified the WTO of its timeline for implementing 89.9% of provisions 
under the WTO TFA. As a Developing Member, Suriname has missed the deadlines as 
outlined in Article 16 of the TFA to notify its designations of Category B and C provisions, 
definitive implementation dates, and requirements for technical assistance. The 
United  States outlined its position on 23 July 2019 in the official WTO Communication 
G/TFA/W/15 that "a Member may consider null a nd void a notification of indicative and 
definitive dates for the implementation of Category B and Category C that is received from 
a developing country Member after the specific deadlines established in Section II, 
Article  16.1, of the Trade Facilitation Agreement. " Furthermore, if a developing country WT/TPR/M/3 91/Add.1  
 
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  Member misses the deadline for submitting its Category B and C definitive dates and does 
not request an extension, the Member shall implement the provisions within one  year 
after the deadline stipulated in A rticle 16.1 subparagraphs 1(b) or (e), which is one year 
from 22 August  2019.  
Question  
7. Considering that Suriname has missed these critical deadlines and forfeited the 
opportunity to request time and technical assistance to implement the TFA, what is 
Suriname's plan to fully implement all TFA provisions?  
Answer  
Suriname submitted has submitt ed its Category A and C Measures, most of the measures were 
categorized as an C measures. No measures were identified/categorized as an B measure.  
3.1.3 Tariffs  
3.1.3.1 Applied MFN tariff  
Page 25, paragraph 3.18  
The Secretariat states "Suriname's MFN tariff remained unchanged since the last Review. " 
However, in 2018, Suriname submitted a proposal to the WTO to adjust its WTO bound 
rates to conform to the CARICOM Common External Tariff (CET). We recognize Suriname's 
right to pursue adjustment of its bou nd tariff rates through Article XXVI:6 and 
Article  XXVIII of the GATT.  
For many of the products contained in Suriname's proposal, the United States is a principal 
or substantial supplier to Suriname's market. Therefore, we have a strong interest in 
ensurin g these negotiations result in a balance of concessions that does not adversely 
affect U.S. interests.  
For this reason, the United States submitted a formal claim of interest to reserve its right 
under Article XXIV:6 of GATT 1994 to negotiate with Suriname  its proposal to modify 
certain concessions included in Schedule XXVI -Suriname, including compensatory 
adjustments.  
Under GATT Article XXVIII, the United States is entitled to seek compensation from 
Suriname in order to maintain the general level of conces sions that currently exists. The 
United States urges Suriname to consider the level of compensation it is willing to provide 
in light of the significantly higher rates at which Suriname seeks to bind its tariffs.  
We are troubled by reports that Suriname is  already applying the CARICOM CET for some 
– if not all  - of these products, which for some products appear to be higher than 
Suriname's current tariff commitments.  
We are also troubled to find that this proposal is not reflected in either the Government 
Report or Secretariat Report for the Trade Policy Review of Suriname.  
Question  
8. Could Suriname please clarify its tariff rates?  
Answer  
We are in article XXVIII GATT discussions.  WT/TPR/M/3 91/Add.1  
 
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  Question  
9. Have any of the proposed CARICOM CET rates been applied to products entering 
Suriname?  
Answer  
We are in article XXVIII GATT discussions . 
Question  
10. Could Suriname please explain why the government's 2018 proposal to adjust its 
WTO bound rates to conform to CARICOM CET was not included in either the Secretariat 
Report or the Government Report?  
Answer  
This is due to the confidential nature of the renegotiations.  
3.3 Measures Affecting Production and Trade  
3.3.5 State trading, state -owned enterprises, and privatization  
Page 38, paragraph 3.85  
The Secretariat Report notes that Suriname last notified the WTO of its state -trading 
enterprises in 2009.  
Question  
11. Please identify when Suriname will provide an updated notification, given the 
biennia l requirement to do so.  
Answer  
We need technical assistance to update our notification.  
3.3.6 Government procurement  
Page 38, paragraph 3.88  
The Secretariat Report does not note this, but Suriname is neither a party nor an observer 
to the WTO Government Procurement Agreement. Becoming an observer to the GPA would 
allow Suriname to engage with other countries on matters relating to government 
procurement, particularly given efforts in 2015 to reform Suriname's government 
procurement regime and would not re quire Suriname to take on any obligations.  
Question  
12. Will Suriname consider becoming a GPA observer?  
Answer  
We are currently in the process of implementing the NRA and as such all financial policies will be 
subjected to decision and policy recommendations of the NRA committee.   
Joining of GPA as an observer will be presented to the NRA committee for consideration.  WT/TPR/M/3 91/Add.1  
 
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  3.3.7 Intellectual property rights  
Page 39, paragraph 3.100 and Page 40, Table 3.11  
According to the Secretariat Report, Suriname is a member of various IP -related 
agreements, but the agreements are not yet fully integrated into the country' s legislation. 
Suriname has been a member of the Berne Convention for the Protection of Literary and 
Artistic Works (1886) since 1977.  
Question  
13. Please provide further information as to whether or not the copyright obligations in 
the Berne Convention have been implemented into national legislation.  
Answer  
The copyright obligations in the Berne Convention have been partially implemented into national 
legislation. Neighbouring rights obligations have not been implemented into national legislation, so 
Surinam ese legislation does not offer protection to those who have a neighbouring rights.  
Question  
14. Does Suriname require amendments of laws to implement the Berne obligations or 
does it view the Berne obligations as self -executing into national legislation?  
Answ er 
Suriname requires amendments of laws to implement the Berne obligations. The Berne obligations 
are not self -executing into national legislation.  
Question  
15. Does Suriname have any plans to join additional WIPO treaties on copyright such as 
the WIPO Copyri ght Treaty (WCT), the WIPO Performances and Phonograms Treaty 
(WPPT), or the Marrakesh Treaty?  
Answer  
At the moment the draft act required to accede to the Marrakesh Treaty is being reviewed by 
Parliament. It already has approval from the required governm ent bodies/ entities and Parliament 
is the last body in order for it to be accepted and accede to this treaty. Acceding to the two other 
treaties is in consideration. At the moment legal officers of the IP bureau in collaboration with the 
legal department of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Tourism are busy drafting national legislation 
required in order to be compliant with the WIPO Copyright Treaty (WCT) and the WIPO Performances 
and Phonograms Treaty (WPPT) and so join these treaties.  
Question  
16. Does the draft IP bill include protections and provisions for copyright and trademark 
violations in the digital environment? Has the Government of Suriname drafted legislation 
to provide for updated civil remedies and criminal penalties for the violations of IP?  
Answer  
There are two draft bills. The first bill covers Industrial property rights and contains provisions and 
protections for trademark violations in the digital environment. The other draft bill is on copyright 
and neighbouring rights and contains provisions an d protections for copyrights in the digital 
environment.  WT/TPR/M/3 91/Add.1  
 
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  Applicable national copyrights law already contains some civil remedies and criminal penalties for 
violations of IP. There are some imperfections which have been addressed/ resolved in the draft bil l. 
Question  
17. Finally, do the GI provisions in the draft IP bill provide for fair and transparent 
examination of proposed GIs?   
Answer  
Yes, the GI provisions in the draft Industrial Property bill provide for fair and transparent examination 
of proposed GIs b ased on the deliberations and suggestions of WIPO.  Still, Suriname needs technical 
assistance with regard to practical use and overall implementation of the system.  
Question  
18. If so, does this examination take into account prior trademark and prior GI rights ?  
Answer  
Yes, the examination takes into account prior trademark rights. There was no prior protection 
possible on GI rights, so the examination does not have to take that in account.  
Note: Provisions in de draft IP act also makes it clear that geographi cal indications may be registered 
as trademarks; with this, Suriname is discharging itself from the obligation to protect geographical 
indications under the TRIPS Agreement and without prejudice of the possibility of adopting a sui 
generis regime in the fu ture, if it sees fit; the two regimes may co -exist.  
Question  
19. Does the examination take into account evidence that an applied for term is 
generic?   
Answer  
Yes, the examination done by the bureau takes evidence that a term is generic into account.  
Question  
20. Does the bill include provisions mandating that the applied -for GIs be published for 
opposition prior to the grant of the rights?   
Answer  
The draft bill includes provisions mandating that the applied -for GIs be published for objection  
(Deputy Director at th e IP bureau), appeal (the Minister of Trade, Industry and Tourism) prior to the 
grant of the rights. The option of opposition  in not yet established/provided the draft bill.  
Question  
21. Do the provisions provide for opposition and cancellation of applied -for GIs based 
on prior rights and genericness?  
Answer  
The provisions provide for appeal (in Court) and cancellation (in Court) of applied -for GIs based on 
prior rights and genericness.  WT/TPR/M/3 91/Add.1  
 
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  Page 40, paragraphs 3.101 and 3.103  
The Secretariat Report states that the National Assembly passed amendments to the 
Copyright Law of 1913 in March 2015.  
Question  
Please provide a summary of the amendments' key provisions.  
Answer  
Article 30bis of the Co pyright Law of 1913 was superseded with articles 30a, 30b, 30c, 30d, 30e, 
30f, 30g, 30h, 30i of the amended Copyright Law.  
Copyright Law of 1913: Does not mention registration of copyrights.  
Article 30b of the amended Copyright Law: Offers the possibility ( no obligation ) of registration of 
copyrights. But procedural matters (f.e. Copyright registration requirements) have not been put in 
place. Copyright in Suriname is automatic on "fixation ". 
Article 30bis of the Copyright Law of 1913: Consists of a clause which allows the CMO (for music 
copyright) to have an aim of making profit.  
Article 30c of the amended Copyright Law: The CMO (for music copyright) is not allowed to have an 
aim of making profit.  
Article 30bis of the Copyright Law of 1913: Does  not mention how many CMO's are allowed.  
Article 30c of the amended Copyright Law: Allows a maximum of 5 CMO's.  
Copyright Law of 1913: Does not mention registration of the music copyright owners (themselves).  
Article 30c of the amended Copyright Law: Requi res the music copyright owners to register 
themselves at the Bureau for Intellectual Property of Suriname (Bureau Intellectuele Eigendom 
Suriname: BIE) in order to be member of a CMO.  
Copyright Law of 1913: No disputes settlement option . 
Article 30f of the amended Copyright Law: Introduces a disputes committee.  
Note: The disputes committee is not in operation (not installed).  
Copyright Law of 1913: No mention of term of office of the CMO's and extension of its term of office.  
Article 30g of the amended Copyright Law: Maximum 3 -year term of office of the CMO's and 
1 extension of its 3 year term of office.  
Copyright Law of 1913: no mention of suspending or revoking the license of the CMO's.  
Article 30g of the amended Copyright Law: Introduces the possibility of suspending or revoking the 
license of the CMO's  
Copyright Law of 1913: Mention of a supervisory entity for the CMO's, but no (specific) regulation.  
Article 30i of the amended Copyright Law: Introduces a Supervisory Board.  
Note: The Supervisory Board i s not in operation (not installed).  WT/TPR/M/3 91/Add.1  
 
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  The Report notes that the 2015 copyright amendments "offers the possibility of 
registering copyrights without specifying procedural matters, " but the Report also states 
that Suriname has no administrative setting for registering IP other than trademarks  
Question  
22. Which administrative agency will be responsible for registering copyrights, per the 
2015 copyright amendments?  
Answer  
The 2015 copyri ght amendments states that the IP bureau will be responsible for registering music 
copyright holders. When the draft bill on copyright and neighbouring rights enters into force, it will 
be the IP bureau that will be responsible for registering copyrights. The 2015 copyright amendments 
do not mention registering of copyrights.  
Question  
23. Are copyright registrations required to be filed in another country, which Suriname 
then accords some sort of official recognition and status?  
Answer  
No, in that regard Surin ame does not accord any type of official recognition and status. Suriname 
does not have its filing system and policy in place yet, but all these issues are being addressed.  
Question  
24. What are the benefits of registration?  
Answer  
Because protection on copyrights is relatively new for Suriname it will:  
- provide an overview of copyrights and copyrights holders  
- public record of copyrights and copyrights holders with which the author can be assured 
that his work is filed/registered and accessib ility to that information at public office  
- create the presumption of ownership copyrights and copyrights holders  
- help guarantee the ability to enforce copyrights in case of infringement  
- create possibility to vindicate other rights by claiming statutory d amages, Attorney 
Fees, and costs of lawsuits  
- provide better protection against importation of infringing works.  
Page 40, paragraph 3.102 and Table 3.11  
The Secretariat Report indicates that Suriname does not provide protection for industrial 
designs. However, it also indicates that Suriname is a party to the 1925 Act of the Hague 
Agreement Concerning the International Deposit of Industrial Designs.   
Question  
25. Could Suriname please explain further its membership in this treaty while not 
providin g protection for the underlying IP rights?  
Answer  
paragraph  IV of the draft bill industrial property rights provides protection for industrial designs.  
Also t he Hague system is an international filing system. The International Bureau of the WIPO 
provides protection for all the contracting parties.  WT/TPR/M/3 91/Add.1  
 
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  Page 40, Table 3.12  
The Secretariat provides a brief description of the Copyright Law of 1913 as amended in 
2015. The description notes: "No protection for performers, producers of phonograms, or 
broadcasting org anizations; no retroactive protection; no provisions on rental rights. " 
Further views are requested:  
Question  
26. How are sound recordings (phonograms) protected in Suriname?  
Answer  
At the moment  sound recordings are not protected in Suriname. This will be possible when the draft 
bill on copyright and neighbouring rights enters into force.  
Question  
27. How does protection for sound recordings in Suriname comport with the 
requirements described in TRIP S Article 14.2?  
Answer  
The draft bill on copyright and neighbouring rights needs to enter into force in order for Suriname 
to comport with the requirements described in TRIPS Article 14.2.  
Question  
28. Is there any protection under Surinamese law for performe rs, producers of 
phonograms, and broadcasting organizations, and how does this protection comport with 
the requirements described in TRIPS Article 14?  
Answer  
At the moment performers, producers of phonograms, and broadcasting organizations are not 
protect ed in Suriname. This will be possible when the draft bill on copyright and neighbouring rights 
enters into force. From then on the protection will comport with the requirements described in TRIPS 
Article 14.  
Question  
29. Do authors of computer programs and cin ematographic works have rental rights, 
and how does this protection comport with the requirements described in TRIPS 
Article  11?  
Answer  
At the moment  authors of computer programs and cinematographic works do not have rental rights. 
They will obtain these rights when the draft bill on copyright and neighbouring rights enters into 
force. From then on the protection will comport with the requirements desc ribed in TRIPS Article 11.  
Question  
30. Does Suriname provide protection for pre -existing works and sound recordings, and 
how does this protection comport with the requirements described in TRIPS Article 9.1 
(which incorporates Berne Article 18) and TRIPS Arti cle 14.6? It is not clear from the 
chart whether the "no retroactive protection " statement applies only to pre -existing 
sound recordings or to both works and sound recordings.  WT/TPR/M/3 91/Add.1  
 
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  Answer  
At the moment Suriname does not provide protection for pre -existing work s and sound recordings, 
so Suriname is not compliant with the requirements described in TRIPS Article 9.1. and TRIPS 
Article  14.6. This will be possible when the draft bill on copyright and neighbouring rights enters into 
force.  
Page 41, paragraph 3.105  
According to the Secretariat, Suriname's penal legislation prohibits copyright piracy, but 
there are no provisions for border protection and there was no further information about 
IPR enforcement.  
Question  
31. To follow up on the copyright piracy point, pleas e identify and summarize the 
relevant provision in the criminal code.  
Answer  
Paragraph  II of the (applicable) Copyright Act 1913 addresses (articles 26 -37) enforcement of 
copyrights. These articles consist of infringement on copyrights which can be catego rized as offenses 
(36 and 36bis) and misdemeanour (31, 32, 34 and 35), punishable with fines and imprisonment. 
Also the products can be confiscated and forfeited. Provisions for border protection have been 
included in the draft bill.  
Question  
32. With respect to border enforcement, are any legislative initiatives for customs 
legislation to address the issue of unauthorized cross border trafficking of counterfeit or 
pirated goods?  
Answer  
The issue of unauthorized cross border trafficking of (trademark) counterf eits or copyright piracy 
are addressed articles in Suriname's Penal Law (articles 390 and 400), Standards Law (article 11 
section 3) and the Civil Code Law (article 1401j) which main purposes are to prohibit and counteract 
deceit and deception.  
  WT/TPR/M/3 91/Add.1  
 
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  BRAZIL  
WT/TPR/S/391  
3.1.3 Tariffs  
3.1.3.1 Applied MFN tariff  
3.1.3.2 Bindings  
"3.24. Applied rates exceed bound rates for 597 tariff lines, or 9.5% of Suriname's tariff. 
This happens mainly for boilers, machinery, and technical appliances (112 tariff lines); 
edible fruits and nuts (61 lines); edible vegetables (56 lines); and live animals (32 lines). " 
Question  
1. Based on the information provided by Secretariat's Report, Suriname have 597 tariff 
lines of applied rates that exceed its bound rates. Brazil would like to know whether the 
Surinamese government intends to review that in the near term.  
Answer  
Pursuant to art. XXVIII of the GATT the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Tourism on behalf of the 
Republic of Suriname is currently in the process to  negotiate/ modify its tariff concessions in 
Schedule LXXIV - Suriname.  
1.3.1 Applied MFN tariff  
"3.20. Agricultural products (WTO definition) are subject to heavier taxation (19.5% on 
average) than non -agricultural products (9.8% on average). Using ISIC de finitions, 
agriculture and fisheries remain the most protected sector (with an average tariff of 
22.7%), followed by manufacturing (10.6%) and mining (7.2%) (Table 3.2). " 
Question  
2. Based on the information provided by Secretariat's Report, Suriname adop ts 
CARICOM's common external tariff, which has an applied tariff of 19.5% for agricultural 
products, much higher than the average rate of 11.4%. Brazil would like to know whether 
CARICOM intends to reduce the agriculture tariffs in the near term.  
Answer  
Pursuant to art. XXVIII of the GATT the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Tourism on behalf of the 
Republic of Suriname is currently in the process to negotiate/ modify its tariff concessions in 
Schedule LXXIV - Suriname.  
4.4.2 Financial services  
4.4.2.1 Overview  
"4.79. Suriname did not schedule or liberalize any of its financial services at WTO. In 2005, 
it made an offer during the DDA negotiations, covering insurance and retrocession 
services. " 
Question  
3. Based on the information provided by S ecretariat's Report, Suriname has not 
scheduled any commitments in the financial sector at the WTO. Brazil would like to know 
whether SURINAME has any plan to make commitments to liberalize its financial sector at 
the WTO.  WT/TPR/M/3 91/Add.1  
 
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  Answer  
This has been put forward to the Ministry of Finance and the Central Bank of Suriname. We are 
currently in the process of implementing the NRA and as such all financial policies will be subjected 
to decision and policy recommendations of the NRA committee.  
  WT/TPR/M/3 91/Add.1  
 
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  ARGENTINA  
WT/TPR/S/391  
En la página 36, punto 3.3.3 Sanitary and phytosanitary requirements, se señalan los 
órganos públicos de control sanitario y fitosanitario y los respectivos organismos 
internacionales en la materia, que integra Suriname.  
Sugerimos consultar cuál es el alc ance de las funciones del The Caribbean Agricultural 
Health and Food Safety Agency (CAHFSA) órgano de la CARICOM (con sede en Paramaribo, 
Suriname), en relación a las prerrogativas del órgano sanitario de Suriname en materia 
de habilitaciones.  
Asimismo, má s específicamente en lo que respecta a requisitos sanitarios para acceder al 
mercado de carne bovina de Suriname, como parte de CARICOM, se recomienda indagar 
sobre el procedimiento de aprobación que lleva adelante el bloque regional y si es el 
mismo requi sito sanitario que establece Suriname o bien hay algún tipo de mecanismo 
que habilite el acceso sanitario a nivel bilateral.  
Answer  
In order for  Argentinian beef i.e. the CARICOM market a regional risk assessment will be conducted 
by CAHFSA and a technical committee comprised of regional Chief Veterinarian Officers CVO's) to 
inspect relevant beef production plants in interested exporter countries.  After the report has been 
finalized by the CVO Technical Committee, this report needs the approval of relevant institutional 
bodies such as CVO committee, Council for Trade and Economic Development (COTED), etc. It is 
also possible to make bilateral arran gements on the import of beef. Please be reminded that this will 
not contain preferential Market Access.  
 
  WT/TPR/M/3 91/Add.1  
 
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  ICELAND  
Question  
What is the participation of women in the economy of Suriname?  
Answer  
We empower as much woman to be in entrepreneurship in Suriname.  
Based on quantitative indicators we can see that more woman are working as entrepreneurs as well 
as in politics. We do not have the exact amount of figures but in observation it is increasing , we are 
seeing much more women graduating than men. This will have an impact in the future where the 
majority of the highly skilled labour in Suriname will be occupied by women. We have 33% of the 
Parliament members are female including the Chair of the P arliament.  
Question  
Have specific barriers that limit women's participation in trade been identified?  
Answer  
There are no barriers that limit the participation of women in trade.  
Question  
Has Suriname implemented any specific measures to encourage women's participation in 
trade and promote women's entrepreneurship, or are such measures being developed?  
Answer  
Legislation on maternity leave. We are working with women groups in rural areas to provide 
entrepreneurship training to women. We al so encourage them to participate in an online platform to 
expand their market. Because the men in rural areas leave the village to work in mining and logging, 
we specifically target the women to increase their income through training in crafts, agriculture  and 
animal husbandry. These programs are also accessible to young people. We have recently passed a 
minimum wage legislation where there is no distinction in wages between men and women.  
Question  
Are the effects of trade policy on women and men measured and monitored, and if so 
how?  
Answer  
The Ministry of Labour and Ministry of Internal Affairs have a Gender Affairs Committee that is 
responsible to monitor the statistics.  
 
  WT/TPR/M/3 91/Add.1  
 
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  CHINA  
WT/TPR/S/391  
Page 17, paragraph  2.10 
"To a large extent, trade policy formulation and its objectives are laid down in the 
country's five -year development plans (OPs). The latest one covers the period 2017 –21. 
These plans articulate the framework for development in the broadest sense: they are 
state documents, and are national guidelines for the Government, the private sector, non -
governmental organizations, and other social sectors. " 
Question  
1. Please introduce the specific measures that Suriname has taken to improve its 
relevant laws and regulations as well as its business environment and the progress in 
implementing relevant plans.  
Answer  
The Republic of Suriname has enacted the following laws :  
• Souvereign wealth fund  
• Law on Electronic transactions  
• Law on the Limited liability companies  
• Anti- Corruption law  
• Law on chartered accountants  
• Law on Government procurement  
• Law on companies and professions  
• Law on the Kimberly process certification  (this is to facilitate our newly discovered natural 
resource namely diamond)  
• Law on annual reports . 
In draft we have legislation regarding:  
• Intellectual Property  
• Tourism  
• Privacy law  
• Revised Investment law  
• The banning of single use plastic . 
Page 38, paragraph s 3.78, 3.79  
"Suriname does not have a generic competition law. A Competition Law and a Consumer 
Protection Law ( Conceptwet Consumentenbescherming ) have been under preparation for 
many years. According to the authorities, no date for enactment is foreseen. Both draft 
laws also cover state -owned enterprises.  WT/TPR/M/3 91/Add.1  
 
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  The CARICOM Competition Commission, based in Suriname, is in charge of competition 
issues at  the regional level. The Commission has so far not dealt with any cases in 
Suriname. " 
Question  
2. Please update the progress of the drafting of the Competition Law.  
Answer  
Suriname does not have a generic competition law. A Competition Law and a Consumer Protection 
Law (Concept wet Consumentenbescherming) have been under preparation for many years. Both 
laws will be submitted after the recess of the Parliament (end September  2019) as initiative laws. 
Depending on the work scheme of the Parliament, these laws will be put on the agenda.  
Question  
3. What provisions on state -owned enterprises are expected to be included in the 
Competition Law?  
Answer  
Both draft laws also cover state -owned enterprises. There are no exemptions made for these state -
owned enterprises in the competition law and consumer protection law. Whenever a state -owned 
company is engaged in economic activities, it falls under the scope of both laws.  
Question  
4. Please illustrate the organizational structure and operational mechanism of the 
CARICOM Competition Commission.  
Answer  
The Commission is headed by an Executive Director, who is supported by professional staff 
comprising persons with legal, economics, registry, fi nance and administrative skills.  
The Commission, under the direction of the Commissioners, will:  
• Receive complaints and requests for investigations  
• Open and maintain case files  
• Organize and conduct investigations  
• Prepare investigative reports  
• Represent the  Commission in Court  
• Follow up cases  
• Maintain records . 
Support staff is provided by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Tourism, Suriname, under the 
Protocol of Transfer.  
The functions and powers of the Commission are spelt out in Article 173 and 174 of Chapter 8 of the 
Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas respectively:  
 
ARTICLE 173  
 
Functions of the Commission  WT/TPR/M/3 91/Add.1  
 
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  The Commission shall:  
 
apply the rules of competition in respect of anti -competitive cross -border business conduct;  
promote and protect competition in the Community and co -ordinate the implementation of the 
Community Competition Policy; and  
perform any other function conferred on it by any competent body of the Community.  
 
In discharging the functions set out in paragraph 1, the Commission  shall:  
 
monitor anti -competitive practices of enterprises operating in the CSME, and investigate and 
arbitrate cross -border disputes;  
keep the Community Competition Policy under review and advise and make recommendations to 
COTED to enhance its effectiven ess; 
promote the establishment of institutions and the development and implementation of harmonised 
competition laws and practices by the Member States to achieve uniformity in the administration of 
applicable rules;  
review the progress made by the Member States in the implementation of the legal and institutional 
framework for enforcement;  
co-operate with competent authorities in the Member States;  
provide support to the Member States in promoting and protecting consumer welfare;  
facilitate the exchange of  relevant information and expertise; and  
develop and disseminate information about competition policy, and consumer protection policy.  
 
The Commission may, by directions in writing and subject to such conditions as it thinks fit, delegate 
any of its functi ons to one or more of its members.  
 
ARTICLE 174  
 
Powers of the Commission  
Subject to Articles 175 and 176, the Commission may, in respect of cross -border transactions or 
transactions with cross -border effects, monitor, investigate, detect, make determinati ons or take 
action to inhibit and penalise enterprises whose business conduct prejudices trade or prevents, 
restricts or distorts competition within the CSME.  
 
The Commission may, in accordance with applicable national laws, in the conduct of its 
investiga tions:  
 
secure the attendance of any person before it to give evidence;  
require the discovery or production of any document or part thereof; and  
take such other action as may be necessary in furtherance of the investigation.  
 
The Commission may, on the basis of its investigations, make determinations regarding the 
compatibility of business conduct with the rules of competition and other related provisions of the 
Treaty.  
 
The Commission shall, to the extent required to remedy or  penalise anti -competitive business 
conduct referred to in Article 177:  
 
order the termination or nullification as the case may require, of agreements, conduct, activities or 
decisions prohibited by Article 170;  
direct the enterprise to cease and desist fr om anti -competitive business conduct and to take such 
steps as are necessary to overcome the effects of abuse of its dominant position in the market, or 
any other business conduct inconsistent with the principles of fair competition set out in this Chapter ; 
order payment of compensation to persons affected; and  
impose fines for breaches of the rules of competition.  
 
The Commission may enter into such arrangements for the provision of services as may be necessary 
for the efficient performance of its function s. 
 
The Member States shall enact legislation to ensure that determinations of the Commission are 
enforceable in their jurisdictions.  
 WT/TPR/M/3 91/Add.1  
 
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  The Commission may establish its own rules of procedure.  
For further information see website of the CARICOM Competition C ommission: 
https://www.caricomcompetitioncommission.com/en/  
Page 36, paragraph  3.68 
"Suriname made one notification to the WTO on TBT matters, a technical regulation on 
general requirements f or labelling of pre -packaged goods, and one on minimum 
requirements for basic hygiene and food safety for bread and banquet producers.  
Question  
5. With regard to Suriname's G/TBT/N/SUR/1 notification submitted to WTO in 
June  2015, we cannot find the correspon ding full text of technical regulations on WTO 
website and SSB website. How can we obtain the full texts of SSB 003:2013 and 
SSB 006:2014?  
Answer  
We have attached the full text of the Technical Regulations. The standards however are available for 
sale for an amount of SRD 125 per standard. The Technical regulations will also be available on our 
website once launched in October this year.  
Page 35, paragraph  3.65 
"A list of national standards is also available from the SSB website. " 
Page 36, paragraph  3.69 
"As at February 2019, the SSB had adopted two technical regulations (mentioned in the 
previous paragraph) and 191 standards. According to the authorities, all standards are 
based on international or regional standards. " 
Question  
6. There are on ly 18 Surinamese national standards currently available on the official 
website of Surinamese Standards Bureau (SSB) (as of February 2018, 
http://www.ssb.sr/en/producten/nationale -standaarden/). How can we obtain the list 
of 191 standards currently publish ed on SSB English website?  
Answer  
Please find attached the list of current national standards.  
Question  
7. Could Suriname please elaborate on its standardization management system?  
Answer  
This is not really clear  what is asked, however we will try to elaborate on our standardization system/ 
procedure: We develop/ adopt standards as set out in our standards development procedure. In our 
Standards act it is mentioned that we can only start the process of developing/  adopting a standard 
after we have received a request from a stakeholder. In our procedures we lay out the different 
types of way to develop a standard and the different steps to be taken into account (we have 3 ways 
to develop a standard: normal developme nt = 23 months, adoption= 10 months for modified and 
4 months for identical & fast track= 7 ½ months). Within our strategic plan for the Bureau we lay -out 
the different priority areas to focus on for standards development as well as the amount of standards  
we wish to have developed taking the different requests in account.  WT/TPR/M/3 91/Add.1  
 
- 34 - 
 
  Question  
8. Could Suriname please elaborate on its work plan for international standardization?  
Answer  
We are currently in the process of developing our 3 year standards priority plan that w ill also serve 
as a basis for our participation on International level. We currently participate within the ISO new 
rights members Pilot project in which we are allowed to participate as full members in 5 TC's. the 
focus under these TC's is: Waist Manageme nt, Tourism, Food & CASCO. We are also members of 
SMIIC in which we participate in International standards setting for Halal.  
Question  
9. How to obtain the relevant national standards (list and full text) for Suriname's 
mechanical and electrical products and mechanical equipment?  
Answer  
The list of all the standards is attached, however the full text is available for sale at the Bureau. The 
standards can be obtained via email or stakeholders can swing by the bureau to read them in the 
library and if wanted can buy a copy. The prices differ per standard.  
Note: we are currently redesigning our website in order to have all up to date information readily 
available for our stakeholders. In October we will have a fully functioning website with all the 
neces sary information on the different activities, including the full lists of standards and their scopes.  
Page 45, paragraph  4.15 
"Agriculture in Suriname also benefits from assistance from other countries, including the 
European Union. Under the 11th European  Development Fund's Annual Action Programme 
for Suriname, EUR 13 million was provided for agriculture, to be implemented through the 
FAO.12 . " 
Question  
10. What are the main eligible industries and products for EU funds?  
Answer  
The EU is funding programs for market access. Secondly the EU funded the "Suriname Agriculture 
Market Access program " aims to have an Increased and more competitive and safe production and 
marketing of selected crops through an enabling environment and enh anced capacities of the private 
sector and institutions. This project will:  
• Provide technical assistance to individual and groups of small -scale farmers to increase 
productivity and competitiveness using improved technologies and innovative approaches 
along the value chain.  
• Stimulate and support win -win partnerships between small -scale farmers and 
agribusinesses to ensure sustainable market access for Surinamese grown (and 
processed) products.  
• Strengthen AG support services and Food Safety in the country.  
Page 46, paragraph  4.19 
"Direct support measures for rice cultivation varied from one year to the next, and included direct 
payments based on output, direct payments based on area, and fuel subsidies; indirect support is WT/TPR/M/3 91/Add.1  
 
- 35 - 
 
  also provided through research and i nfrastructure programmes (Table 4.4)…Since 2016, no subsidies 
were paid. " 
Question  
11. What are the reasons for abolishing the subsidies since 2016? What are the 
consequences for corn plantation? How did Suriname balance domestic production price 
and international price after the removal of the subsidies?  
Answer  
Suriname has never paid subsidies, but  was a compensation on the government take in fuel prices 
that every consumer has to pay. D ue to changed policy insights the compensation payment has 
been stopped since 2016.  
The domestic production price is still below the World market price. The profit o f the farmers has 
become lower.  Currently, Suriname is not planting corn.  
WT/TPR/G/391  
Page 5, paragraph  3.4 
"The urge to meet international standards in order to be able to compete in a broader 
market has been hindered due to the fact that our current exi sting laboratory does not 
have the capacity to test everything. " 
Questio n 
12. What kind of tests can be done in the current laboratories in Suriname? Since the 
agricultural products have not yet met international standards, how does Suriname 
guarantee the health and safety of its agricultural exports?  
Answer  
In the current agricultural laboratories the following can be tested: diagnoses of insect pests and 
fungal diseases. At this moment Pesticide residue laboratory is being set up to do pesticide -residue 
tests. 
The farmers are being trained with GAP to produce healthy products. We assume that the farmers 
will follow the rules during the production and that they  apply the acquired knowledge of the training 
in practice.  
  WT/TPR/M/3 91/Add.1  
 
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  CHINA – ADDITIONAL  QUESTIONS  
WT/TPR/S /391  
Page 21, paragraph  2.43 
"…a revision of its 2001 Investment Law is still pending…The Government is working with 
the World Bank to update its investment policy framework… " 
Question  
1. Could you please inform us of the timetable for this revision?  
Answer  
InVestSur is now working on drafting the new Investment law with IDB. We are currently in the 
process of implementing the NRA and as such all financial policies will be subjected to decision and 
policy recommendations of the NRA committee.   
Questio n 
2. Does the above investment policy framework include provisions on the protection of 
the legitimate rights and interests of foreign investors?  
Answer  
Yes 
Page 50, paragraph  4.37 
"The legislation on capture fisheries is currently being updated with assistance from the 
FAO…These are related to the absence of clear licensing procedures for marine capture 
fisheries, an inadequate framework for carrying out effective monitoring, control and 
enforcement… " 
Question  
3. Does this legislation clarify specific li censing procedures and regulations for marine 
fisheries to improve the predictability of the fishing policy environment for relevant 
companies?  
Answer  
The new draft legislation will ensure transparency and improvement in the fishing policy.  
Question  
4. Could you please inform us of the timetable for this legislation?  
Answer  
Timeline November 2019 is the finalization of the internal review of drafts. Januar y – February 2020 
is the stakeholders consultation and validation workshop. Then the process for approval of the draft 
legislation of Parliament can be started.  
Page 56, paragraph  4.57 
"A draft mining law was approved by the Government in 2012, but has no t yet been 
enacted. " WT/TPR/M/3 91/Add.1  
 
- 37 - 
 
  Question  
5. Could you please inform us of the timetable for the implementation of this law?  
Answer  
Although a draft mining law was approved by the government in 2012, the Government of Suriname 
deems it necessary to review and amend the draft law against the backdrop of important and current 
developments within the extractive industries nationally and internationally. For this purpose a 
working group was installed by the Ministry of Natural Resources to amend the draft law on key 
issues s uch as environmental rehabilitation and a draft mining agreement as well as laying the 
ground work for a stronger institutional and legal support of the sector. The government expects to 
have this new draft mining law be ready in the first quarter of 2020 in order to submit this law to 
the parliament for approval.  
Question  
6. Does the Suriname Government plan to take measures before the implementation 
of the mining law to avoid the risk of excessive discretion in investment approval by 
mining authorities?  
Answer  
The Government of Suriname has already taken measures in order to minimize the risk of excessive 
discretion in investment approval. In 2017 Suriname became an implementing member of the 
Extractives Industry Transparency Initiative (EITI) and thus committed itself to these worldwide 
standards in the extractive sector. In 2019 the first report was published ( www.seiti.sr ) and now the 
government together with the civil society and the comp anies in the extractive industry is working 
intensively on publishing the next report which is due by the end of this year. Also the government 
has taken important steps to establish the minerals institute which will function as a autonomous 
institute for monitoring and managing the mining rights as well advising the government on key 
issues regarding the mining sector in Suriname. The legal framework for the minerals institute will 
also be finalized together with the new mining law in the first quarter of 2020. The minerals institute 
will be anchored in the new mining law making it an important base for the sector for mining 
standards. The Ministry of Natural Resources will launch this week the transformation process of the 
current geological department wit hin the ministry to the minerals institute. One of the important 
changes that will be launched is making the whole process of acquiring mining rights more accessible 
and transparent to the public. This will strengthen the process of transparency and standa rdization 
within the extractive industry.  
 
  WT/TPR/M/3 91/Add.1  
 
- 38 - 
 
  COLOMBIA  
WT/TPR/S/391  
En la página 35 numerales "3.1.6 Medidas antidumping, compensatorias y de 
salvaguardia.  
3.41. Suriname  no ha emprendido nunca ninguna acción en relación con medidas 
comerciales especiales.  
3.42. No tiene legislación específica sobre medidas antidumping, compensatorias o de 
salvaguardia.13 No obstante, la Ley de Circulación de Mercancías contiene disposici ones 
que permiten la adopción de medidas antidumping, que pueden introducirse si las 
importaciones causan un daño grave a las empresas existentes o retrasan la puesta en 
marcha de un nuevo sector de actividad comercial. La Ley también prevé la aplicación d e 
medidas de salvaguardia cuando el aumento de las importaciones ponga o amenace poner 
en situación de grave desventaja a los productores nacionales de productos similares o 
competidores. No hay reglamentos detallados en los que se establezcan las condicio nes y 
los procedimientos para decidir la imposición y aplicación de medidas antidumping o de 
salvaguardia.  
3.43. En determinadas circunstancias, los miembros de la CARICOM pueden imponer 
medidas antidumping o de salvaguardia a otros miembros, o remitir as untos al Consejo 
de Comercio y Desarrollo Económico (COTED), entidad formada por Ministros de la 
CARICOM.14 No obstante, Suriname no ha aplicado nunca estas disposiciones de la 
CARICOM. " 
Question  
¿Nos gustaría consultar el avance del diseño de políticas de  defensa comercial, dado que 
Suriname solo se rigen por el reglamento de CARICOM y no existe inventario de 
normatividad sobre el tema comercial?  
Answer  
Suriname welcomes technical assistance in the investigation and policy development of trade 
defense measures.   
WT/TPR/G/391  
En la página 3, numeral 1.4 se establece que "….estamos reforzando las alianzas 
comerciales con los Estados miembros de la CARICOM como Antigua y Barbuda, Barbados, 
Guyana y Dominica. " 
Question  
¿Se le solicita a Surinam una aclaración sobre el tipo de disciplinas y productos que están 
involucrados en este proceso de alianzas, y si dichas alianzas se extenderán a la totalidad 
de países miembros de El Caricom?  
Answer  
The types of disciplines that a re mentioned are not specific, each CARICOM member state or any 
other partner that wants to develop the concept of joint enterprises will decide on their own specific 
sector.  
En la página 9, numeral 4.1 se establece que "Suriname es miembro de la Comunida d del 
Caribe (CARICOM) y está trabajando en el establecimiento de un Mercado y Economía 
Únicos del Caribe (CSME). " WT/TPR/M/3 91/Add.1  
 
- 39 - 
 
  Question  
Podría Surinam informarnos los avances de este proceso?  
Answer  
Suriname agreed to the implementation of the CSME according to an implementation schedule. With 
specific timelines for every issue.   
En la página 10, numeral 4.10 se establece que "La CARICOM tiene acuerdos con la 
República Dominicana, Cuba y Costa Rica; c omo miembro de la CARICOM, Suriname es 
parte en esos acuerdos ". 
Question  
¿Podría Suriname comentar que productos y disciplinas fueran negociadas con estos 
países?  
Answer  
These agreements are available on the website, listed below.   
CARICOM - Dominican Republic  
http://www.sice.oas.org/Trade/Ccdr/English/Ccdr_in.asp  
CARICOM – Cuba  
https://caricom.org/Document -Library/view -document/caricom -cuba -trade -and-
economic -cooperation -agreement  
CARICOM - Costa Rica  
http://www.sice.oas.org/Trade/crcr com_e/crcrcomind_e.asp  
Question  
¿Podría indicar si Suriname tiene la posibilidad jurídica de realizar negociaciones 
bilaterales con otros países, fuera del marco de CARICOM?  
Answer  
Yes, we are allowed to  conduct bilateral negotiations with other countries.  
WT/TPR/S/391  
En la página 7 -numeral 11 y página 22 –numeral 2.37 se establece que "Suriname adoptó 
el Arancel Exterior Común (AEC) de la CARICOM, con pocas excepciones. " 
Question  
¿Podría Surinam, comentar cuales son los productos que corresponden a dichas 
excepciones y que aranceles aplica?  
Answer  
Suspension is being asked under article 83 of the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas, these are mostly 
products that are used in the production of final produ cts in which they do not qualify with the 
technical specifications of the CARICOM products contained in the CARICOM list of ineligibles.  WT/TPR/M/3 91/Add.1  
 
- 40 - 
 
  En la página 8 - numeral 14 se establece que "Suriname  aplica impuestos especiales de 
consumo a las bebidas alcohólicas y azucaradas, el agua embotellada, y los cigarrillos y 
el tabaco ". 
Question  
¿Podría Suriname, indicar el valor o porcentaje de dicho impuesto, como lo establece y 
como lo calcula?  
Answer  
EXCISE DUTY LEVY ON ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES  
Pursuant to the Law of 5 September 2011 no. 129 (SB 2011 no. 129), amending further the Act 
concerning provisions on excise duty on spirits manufactured and imported here in the country and 
other alcoholic beverages with the exception of beer (GB 1953 no. 23, as last amended by SB 2004 
No. 80)  
 Commodity Code  
CET2007  Description  Excise rate 
per litre  Calculation  
A 22083010 of 22083090  Whisky  USD 6,75  Volume(liter) x rate  
B 22084010 of 22084090  Rum and other spirits obtained by distilling 
fermented sugarcane products  USD 2,00  Volume(liter) x rate  
C 22071000,  
22082010, 22082090, 
22085010, 22085090,  
22086000, 22087000,  
22089010, 22089020, 
22089090  Other distilled  
including beverages such as brandy, gin, 
geneva, etc.  
Category 1.   0 – 30 vol. % alcohol  
Category 2.  30 – 40 vol. % alcohol  
Category 3.  40 – 50 vol. % alcohol  
Category 4.  50 vol. % alcohol and more   
 
 
USD 3,30  
USD 4,50  
USD 6,75  
USD 8,25   
 
 
Volume(l iter) x rate  
Volume(liter) x rate  
Volume(liter) x rate  
Volume(liter) x rate  
D 22041000, 22042100, 
22042910, 22042990, 
22043000, 22051000, 
22059000, 22060010, 
22060090  Other alcoholic beverages  
such as sparkling wine, vermouth etc.  USD 0,12 per 
vol. % alcohol  Vol. % alcohol x rate  
EXCISE DUTY LEVY ON CIGARS, CIGARETTES AND TOBACCO  
Pursuant to the Law of 5 September 2011 no. 130 (S.B. 2011 no. 130), further amending the 
Tobacco Products Excise Act (G.B. 1967 no. 84, as last amended by S.B. 2006 no. 79)  
Description  Rate per 500 
piece  Rate per 1 piece   Calculation  
Cigars and cigarillo's  
24021000  USD 66,00  USD 0,132  Pieces x rate  
 
Description  Rate per 1000 
piece  Rate per 1 piece  Calculation  
Cigarettes  
24022000, 24029000  USD 66,00  USD 0,066  Pieces x rate 
 
Description  Rate per kg  Calculation  
Smoking tobacco  
24031000  USD 66,00  Net mass(kg) x rate  
 
Description  Rate per kg  Calculation  
Other tobacco products  
24039100, 24039900, 
24039910, 24039990  USD 66,00  Net mass(kg) x rate  WT/TPR/M/3 91/Add.1  
 
- 41 - 
 
  EXCISE DUTY LEVY ON NON -ALCOHOLIC DRINKS  
Law of 15 February 2006 S.B. 2006 no. 27, further amending the Excise duty on alcohol -free drinks 
(S.B. 1994 no. 58, as last amended by S.B. 2000 no. 126)  
Article 1 A. paragraph (2)  
Non-alcoholic drinks : lemonade, mineral water, fruit or vegetable juice;  
Article 1 A paragraph (3)  
Lemonade : goods that are classified in the tariff list in one of the following subdivisions:  
2106.0010, 2106.0020 , 2202.1010, 2202.1090, 2202.9010, 2202.9020, 22029090;  
Mineral wa ter: goods that are classified in the tariff list in one of the following subdivisions:  
22011010, 22011020, 22019010  
Fruit- or vegetable juice : goods that are classified in the tariff list in one of the following 
subdivisions:  
20091010, 20091090, 20092010,  20092090, 20093010, 20093030, 20093090, 20094010, 
20094090, 20095010, 20095090, 20096010, 20096020, 20096090, 20097010, 20097090, 
20098010, 20098030, 20098040, 20098060, 20098070, 20098090, 20099020, 20099040, 
20099090;  
Exise rate : USD 0,07 per litre: for  non-alcoholic beverage in liquid form without being mixed with 
other goods, to be consumed immediately.  
Exise rate : USD 7,00 per 25 kilograms:  for non -alcoholic drink in concentrated or non -liquid form 
intended to be consumed only after it has been mixed  with other goods.  
WT/TPR/S/391  
En la página 23. Numeral 2.43. El régimen de inversión de Suriname  no ha cambiado desde 
el examen anterior, y todavía no se ha revisado la Ley de Inversiones de 2001. Según 
algunos observadores, el régimen general y, en concreto, la aprobación de las inversiones 
extranjeras directas (IED), es discrecional y no está basad o en normas, lo que genera una 
mayor imprevisibilidad e incertidumbre e incrementa el riesgo conexo de favoritismo y 
corrupción. El Gobierno está trabajando con el Banco Mundial para actualizar el marco de 
su política de inversión y ha decidido establecer un organismo de inversión, el Instituto 
para la Promoción de las Inversiones en Suriname (InvestSur), como se prevé en la Ley 
de 2001.  
Question  
¿Podría el Gobierno de Surinam indicar cuáles son los avances que se han registrado en 
el trabajo que viene desa rrollando con el Banco Mundial para actualizar el marco de la 
política de inversión de Surinam?  
Answer  
Indeed the government of Suriname has made serious efforts to enhance its investment policy. 
Therefore the Suriname institute of investment promotion has  been set up. Together with the World 
Bank serious efforts will be made to finalize the investment law and minerals laws 2019/2020. This 
is an integral part of the loan agreement with the World bank. For most importantly the minerals 
institute will have a better judicial and legal function to operate all mining activities in Suriname.  WT/TPR/M/3 91/Add.1  
 
- 42 - 
 
  Secondly, the investment law will be finalized, thirdly a new mining law will be made to be up to 
date to present times and will break from colonial rule. Fourthly, investmen t promotion will be 
supported for the mining, oil and gas, tourism and hospitality and the agricultural sectors associated 
with it to increase local content through the investment by the world bank loan.  
En la página 23. Numeral 2.44. De conformidad con la  Ley de Inversiones de 2001, el 
Ministro de Hacienda está autorizado a conceder diversos tipos de incentivos tanto en 
relación con nuevas inversiones como con la ampliación o sustitución de inversiones 
existentes.  
Question  
¿Podría el Gobierno de Surinam confirmar si existe una política nacional de incentivos 
para la atracción de inversión extranjera directa o es un asunto que corresponde 
únicamente a decisiones caso a caso del Ministerio de Hacienda?  
Could the Government of  Suriname confirm whether there is a national incentive policy 
for attracting foreign direct investment or is it a matter that corresponds only to case -by-
case decisions of the Ministry of Finance?  
Answer  
InVestSur is now working on drafting the new Invest ment law with IDB. And incentives will be 
addressed in this new law.  
En la página 24. Numeral 2.48. InvestSur fue establecido de conformidad con el 
Staatsbesluit (Decreto Estatal) Nadere Voorwaarden Faciliteiten Investeringwet, de 17 de 
marzo de 2017. De conformidad con este Decreto, InvestSur puede establecer las normas 
y condiciones que se utilizarán para examinar y aprobar las propuestas de inversión.  
Question  
¿Podría el Gobierno de Surinam aclarar qué tipo de entidad es el Instituto para la 
Promoción d e las Inversiones en Suriname (InvestSur)? ¿Desarrolla esta entidad 
funciones de ventanilla única de inversiones?  
Could the Government of Suriname clarify what type of entity is the Institute for the 
Promotion of Investments in Suriname ( InvestSur)? Does this entity develop single 
window investment functions?  
Answer  
InVestSur has a single window investment functions and is instituted by law.  
En la página 66. Numeral 4.79. Suriname no ha consignado ni liberalizado ninguno de sus 
servicios financieros en el marco de la OMC. En 2005, durante las negociaciones del 
Programa de Doha para el Desarrollo (PDD), presentó una oferta que abarcaba los 
servicios de seguros y retrocesión.  
Question  
¿Podría el Gobierno de Surinam explicar las circunstancia s específicas por las cuales el 
Estado de Surinam no ha liberalizado la mayoría de los servicios financieros, y sí lo planea 
hacer en un futuro?  
Could the Government of Suriname explain the specific circumstances why the State of 
Suriname has not liberali zed most financial services, and does plan to do so in the future?  WT/TPR/M/3 91/Add.1  
 
- 43 - 
 
  Answer  
We are currently in the process of implementing the NRA and as such all financial policies will be 
subjected to decision and policy recommendations of the NRA committee.  
4.4.3 Telecomunicaciones  
En la página 69 numeral 4.97. La política de telecomunicaciones es competencia del 
Ministerio de Obras Públicas, Transporte y Comunicaciones, mientras que la concesión de 
licencias a los proveedores de servicios y la reglamentación del sector son responsab ilidad 
de la Telecommunicatie Autoriteit Suriname (TAS).  
Question  
¿Si bien el Telecommunicatie Autoriteit Suriname (TAS) es independiente al Ministerio de 
Obras Públicas, Transporte y Comunicaciones, podría el Gobierno de Surinam explicar si 
existe una arm onía o alineación entre las políticas y programas del TAS y del Ministerio 
en materia de Tecnologías de la Información y las Comunicaciones?  
Answer  
While the Telecommunicatie Autoriteit Suriname (TAS) is independent from the Ministry of Public 
Works, Tran sportation and Communications, could the Government of Suriname explain whether 
there is a harmony or alignment between the policies and programs of the TAS and the Ministry of 
Ministry of Public Works, Transportation and Communications.  
En la página 69 nu meral 4.98. El marco legislativo de los servicios de telecomunicaciones 
no ha variado desde el anterior examen. La Ley de Telecomunicaciones, de 2007, 
establece la base legislativa para la reglamentación del mercado a través de la TAS. 
Muchos aspectos regl amentarios se especifican en una serie de decretos estatales, 
promulgados en 2007, que abarcan cuestiones tales como la concesión de licencias, la 
interconexión, los litigios, un plan de frecuencias y la compatibilidad electromagnética . 
Y numeral 4.101. En 2012 se estableció una comisión para elaborar la nueva Ley de 
Telecomunicaciones y ampliar su alcance para abarcar los servicios móviles, de mensajes 
de texto y de datos. Está previsto que el proceso finalice en 2019.  
Question  
¿Podría el Gobierno de Surinam explicar los avances de la comisión para elaborar una 
nueva Ley de Telecomunicaciones y si esta ha contemplado los nuevos desarrollos y 
avances en materia de tecnología e innovación e incluso, las nuevas tecnologías 
emergente s como IoT y/o Blockchain?  
Answer  
The process is expected to be finalized in 2020. The policies and programs of TAS executes are 
harmonized with the policies of the Ministry of Public Works, Transportation and Communications 
through regular sector meeting s. Later this year an official commission will be installed consisting of 
representatives of TAS, the Ministry of Public Works, Transportation and Communications and 
stakeholders of the telecommunications and ICT sector in Suriname.  
The new telecommunicati ons law which will cover new developments is in the final draft stages. This 
law will replace the current law and is enhance based on the current trends in IoT and blockchain, 
but also takes in to account privacy and security issues these developments carr y and infrastructure 
sharing.  
En la página 70 numeral 4.103. Los servicios de comunicaciones de telefonía fija son 
objeto de un monopolio de la empresa estatal Telesur, que, junto con Digicel, y hasta 2015 
UNIQA, es también uno de los principales proveedor es de servicios de telefonía móvil. 
Ambos operadores se incorporaron al mercado de Suriname en 2007, tras recibir la WT/TPR/M/3 91/Add.1  
 
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  aprobación del Presidente. En 2015, UNIQA tenía tan solo 26.420 abonados y fue 
adquirida por Digicel, que es un proveedor de servicios de t elefonía móvil que opera en 
33 mercados del Caribe, América Central y Oceanía. Su sede se encuentra en Jamaica.  
Question  
¿Podría el Gobierno de Surinam explicar si se han adelantado acciones tendientes a la 
libre competencia para la incursión de nuevos actores en el mercado de telefonía fija y 
móvil además de las explicadas en el Examen?   
Answer  
For the mobile market the public registration was started, according to the current law, in order to 
facilitate a potential 3rd mobile operator. The scree ning process is still in process by the TAS who 
will advise the Government on all received applications. The fixed market is unchanged. The first 
step in changing this will come with the draft law.  
En la página 70 numeral 4.106. Suriname no ha contraído ni ngún compromiso sobre 
transporte marítimo en el marco del AGCS.   
Question  
¿Podría el Gobierno de Surinam explicar si en un futuro tiene contemplado adquirir algún 
compromiso sobre transporte marítimo en el marco de la OMC?  
Answer  
We still are in the development phase of our Maritime transport.  
  WT/TPR/M/3 91/Add.1  
 
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  COLOMBIA – ADDITIONA L QUESTIONS  
WT/TPR/S/391  
En el Párrafo 2.25. "Suriname  también quiere fomentar la utilización de insumos 
nacionales para los productos de exportación, en particular para los productos primarios 
y productos industriales conexos. A tal fin, el Gobierno tiene la intención de buscar o 
apoyar, mediante la creación  de capacidad, las siguientes entidades o medidas:  
• empresas que utilicen insumos locales para sus productos de exportación o 
internacionales;  
• facilitación de la utilización de insumos locales en lugar de importados y, cuando 
sea necesario, concesión de u na compensación;  
• mejora de la capacidad y la calidad de la producción de los fabricantes 
nacionales;  
• mejora de los conocimientos y la información sobre los mercados locales;  
• incentivos para las infraestructuras; y  
• un régimen moderno de derechos de prop iedad intelectual. " 
Colombia celebra que Surinam quiera fomentar la utilización de insumos nacionales para 
los productos de exportación, en particular para los productos primarios y productos 
industriales conexos.  
Question  
Colombia quisiera que Surinam ac larara como opera u operaría la medida de facilitación 
de la utilización de insumos locales en lugar de importados y la concesión de 
compensaciones.  
Answer  
… 
WT/TPR/S/391  
En la página 32, párrafo 3.31. "En virtud de la Ley del Impuesto sobre el Volumen de 
Negocio, de 1997, Suriname aplica un impuesto sobre el volumen de negocio con el que 
se grava la mayoría de los bienes y servicios de producción nacional e importados. El tipo 
básico del impuesto es del 10% para los bienes y del 8% para los servicios. Se aplica un 
tipo del 0% a unos 50 productos enumerados en el Anexo II de la Ley11 y un tipo del 25% 
a algunos artículos de lujo. En la práctica, todos los productos sujetos al tipo más elevado 
son importado s. " 
Question  
Colombia desea preguntar lo siguiente: En virtud de la Ley del Impuesto sobre el Volumen 
de Negocio de 1997, Surinam aplica un impuesto sobre el volumen de negocio con el que 
se grava la mayoría de los bienes y servicios de producción naciona l e importada. El tipo 
básico del impuesto es del 10% para los bienes y del 8% para los servicios; se aplica un 
tipo del 0% a unos 50 productos enumerados en el Anexo II de la Ley y un tipo del 25% 
a algunos artículos de lujo.  Sin embargo, como el mismo r eporte lo señala, en la práctica 
todos los productos sujetos al tipo más elevado son importados2, motivo por el cual 
                                                
2 Ibídem Párrafo 3.31.  WT/TPR/M/3 91/Add.1  
 
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  Colombia quisiera conocer la forma en la cual Surinam garantizaría que no se está 
aplicando una medida discriminatoria de facto.  
Colombia wishes to ask the following: Under the Business Volume Tax Act of 1997, 
Suriname applies a tax on the volume of busin ess with which most of the goods and 
services of national and imported production are taxed. The basic tax rate is 10% for 
goods and 8% for services; a rate of 0% is applied to some 50 products listed in Annex II 
of the Law and a rate of 25% to some luxury  items. However, as the same report indicates, 
in practice all products subject to the highest rate are imported, which is why Colombia 
would like to know the way in which Suriname would guarantee that a de facto 
discriminatory measure is not being applied . 
Answer  
Taxation is done for local production and also on imported goods in a non discriminatory manner.  
WT/TPR/S/391  
Página 26, párrafo 3.6. "En junio de 2013, Suriname aplicó un programa obligatorio de 
inspección previa a la expedición (IPE) para todos  los envíos valorados en más de 
USD 3.000, en el marco de una iniciativa más amplia para luchar contra la subfacturación 
de las exportaciones y la corrupción generalizada de las fuerzas aduaneras.2 En el marco 
de este sistema, todos los importadores tenían  que presentar una solicitud de verificación 
de importación. Determinadas mercancías quedaron exentas del requisito de IPE, tales 
como el petróleo crudo, los animales vivos y las piedras preciosas y el metal. No obstante, 
el 26 de julio de 2013, el Gobiern o suspendió el requisito de IPE y anunció la aplicación 
de un nuevo régimen de inspección, que, no obstante, en marzo de 2019 no se había 
aplicado. " 
Colombia celebra que  en el 26 de julio de 2013, el Gobierno se Surinam se encuentra en 
procedimientos de nuevo régimen de inspección previa para combatir el comercio ilícito 
de mercancías. Colombia es optimista en que la adopción de este tipo de medidas resulten 
óptimas y leg ítimas para consolidar el control respecto del ingreso de los productos al 
territorio de Surinam.  
En la página 37, párrafo 3.58. "Se ofrecen incentivos fiscales y no fiscales para atraer 
nuevas inversiones y aumentar las ya existentes. Esos incentivos está n previstos en la 
Ley de Inversiones. En principio, ninguna actividad o sector económicos (excepto los 
casinos) están excluidos de esos incentivos, que comprenden moratorias fiscales, 
consolidación fiscal, reembolso de capital, beneficios o intereses, y pe rmisos de residencia 
y licencias para la contratación de extranjeros. Pueden beneficiarse de incentivos 
complementarios las inversiones superiores a USD 50 millones para la prospección y 
explotación de bauxita, hidrocarburos, oro o minerales radiactivos. " 
Question  
Colombia quisiera saber cómo funcionan los incentivos complementarios a las inversiones 
superiores a USD 50 millones, para la prospección y explotación de bauxita, 
hidrocarburos, oro o minerales radiactivos.  
Colombia would like to know how the com plementary incentives for investments over 
USD 50 million work for the exploration and exploitation of bauxite, hydrocarbons, gold 
or radioactive minerals.  
Answer  
… 
En la pagina  37, en el párrafo 3.59. De conformidad con la Ley de Materias Primas 
revisada, de 1996, se exime de los derechos de importación a las materias primas, el WT/TPR/M/3 91/Add.1  
 
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  material complementario, los productos semiacabados y los envases destinados a los 
siguientes sectore s: industria, agricultura, horticultura, cultivo de . 
Question  
Colombia quisiera saber cómo operan las exenciones tributarias a las industrias 
alimentaria, de bebidas no alcohólicas y de zumos de frutas en concordancia con la 2010 
Suriname Investment Guide.  
Answer  
… 
En la página 23 para los párrafos 2.43, 2.44, 2.47 y 2.48.  
Question  
Colombia quisiera tener conocimiento de los protocolos y procedimientos administrativos 
establecidos para la aprobación de inversión directa extranjera y si tales previsiones se 
entienden subrogadas con ocasión de la creación del InvestSur . 
Colombia would like to have knowledge of the administrative protocols and procedures 
established for the approval of foreign direct investment and if such forecasts are deemed 
subrogated on the occasion of the creation of InvestSur.  
Answer  
InVestSur  is now working on drafting the new Investment law with IDB. This will be addressed in 
the new investment law.  
Question  
En la Pagina 32, Parrafo 3.29. Además de los aranceles, todas las mercancías importadas 
en Suriname están sujetas, sobre la base de su valor c.i.f., a un derecho de aprobación del 
1,5%; también se aplica una tasa estadística del 0,5% a las importaciones de todos los 
productos, excepto la bauxita, a la que se aplica una tasa del 2%. La tasa de aprobación 
no se aplica a las importaciones pr ocedentes de la CARICOM ni a las importaciones 
exentas de aranceles. En 2018 los ingresos fiscales derivados de estas dos tasas 
ascendieron a más de SRD 90 millones (cuadro 3.3).  
Question  
Colombia quisiera contar con mayor información acerca de las caract erísticas, 
componentes y forma de aplicación de los derechos de aprobación y de la tasa estadística 
para los productos importados a Surinam.  
Answer  
… 
En la página 43, párrafo 3.100. A pesar de su participación en numerosos acuerdos 
relacionados con los DPI, las normas y disciplinas de dichos acuerdos aún no han sido 
integradas plenamente en la legislación del país. El proyecto de ley sobre los DPI lleva  
varios años pendiente. Está previsto incluir en él disposiciones sobre patentes, marcas de 
fábrica o de comercio, derecho de autor y protección de las innovaciones basada en las 
indicaciones geográficas.  WT/TPR/M/3 91/Add.1  
 
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  Question  
Colombia quisiera tener mayor información  acerca de los acuerdos en materia de  derechos 
de propiedad intelectual en los cuales haya participado Surinam y que se encuentran 
pendientes de incorporación en el ordenamiento jurídico interno.  
Answer  
… 
Question  
Colombia quisiera tener mayor información de las medidas administrativas o de 
naturaleza restrictiva que pueden aplicar las autoridades en frontera, en temas de 
protección de los derechos de propiedad intelectual.  
Answer  
… 
  WT/TPR/M/3 91/Add.1  
 
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  INDONESIA  
WT/TPR/S/391  
Page 21, paragraph . 2.43  
Suriname's investment regime did not change since the previous Review, and a revision 
of its 2001 Investment Law is still pending. According to some observers, the overall 
regime, and more particularly the approval of foreign direct investment (FDI), may be 
discretionary rather than rules -based, leading to heightened unpredictability and 
uncertainty, and associated risks of favouritism and corruption. The Government is 
working with the World Bank to update its investmen t policy, and decided to establish an 
investment agency, the Institute for the Promotion of Investment in Suriname 
(InvestSur), as originally foreseen in the 2001 Law.  
Question  
1. Please give further information about the progress of the 2001 Law revision, and 
the effectiveness of InvestSur in minimizing the risk of corruption, favoritism, etc.  
Answer  
InVestSur is now working on drafting the new Investment law with IDB.  
Page 23 , paragraph  2.54 
All in all, the business environment remained stable but was mostly unregulated. While 
the Government supports and tries to promote a business -friendly economy, in particular 
through investments, definitive steps to legislate and regulate ar e not taken. The absence 
of clear procedures and processes in the registration of businesses, or the application of 
unclear ones, led to continued low scores in the World Bank's rankings, and to the 
conclusion that Suriname's investment and business climat e is negatively affected by a 
general lack of transparency and clarity.  
Question  
2. What are the short, medium, and long -term strategy that the Government of 
Suriname will do to address this transparency problem?  
Answer  
The government of Suriname acknowledges  that legislation is the key to counter corruption 
sustainably. Therefore, we have passed the anti - corruption law, the financial statements act, the 
law on Chartered accountants, the law government procurement amongst others. Also we are 
implementing the Suriname ESW.  
InVestSur is now working on drafting the new Investment law with IDB.  
We are currently in the process of implementing the NRA and as such all financial policies will be 
subjected to decision and policy recommendations of the NRA committee.   
Page 32 , paragraph  3.46 
Due to the lack of a risk analysis system to identify and inspect high -risk shipments, all 
exports continue to be subject to physical inspection. According to the World Bank's Doing 
Business 2018, the average time to export is 84 h ours for border compliance and 12 hours 
for documentary compliance.  WT/TPR/M/3 91/Add.1  
 
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  Question  
3. Please elaborate further on the Government of Suriname efforts to reduce the 
physical inspection while managing high -risk shipment.  
Answer  
The customs officers recently had a Tec hnical Assistance training on risk management conducted by 
the UNCTAD.  
WT/TPR/G/391  
Page 5, paragraph . 3.2 
The Government has developed a policy towards converting Suriname into a major food 
producer and supplier of the Caribbean. The strategy is to increase the export of 
agricultural products by first increasing the agricultural production in a sustainable way. 
The effort to achieve this strategic goal is a shared responsibility between the private 
sector and the government. The Government has decide d to create conditions to support 
the agricultural sector, which are necessary if we want to become a major food provider 
of the Caribbean.  
Question  
4. Please elaborate in detail how the Government divides responsibilities between the 
private sector and the Government itself?  
Answer  
Food production is and will remain the responsibility of the Food Production  Sector . It is up to the 
sector to:  
• identify areas of innovation  
• identify and act on new product development  
• identify and develop new market access opportunities  
• invest in the production efforts of such identified opportunities  
• Produce in a manner that is consistent with best practices and in accordance with national 
and international standards to gain and retain market confidence  
• Produce in a manner that is respectful of resources and to ensure the sustainability of 
Suriname's resources.  
To enable the above, the Government of Suriname works hard on offering of a favour able 
environment for the development and sustainability of the food production sector. This has to 
contribute to enhancing the reputation of Suriname's sector as a supply of safe and quality food.  
Question  
5. What kind of support does the government provides as efforts to become a major 
food provider of the Caribbean.  
Answer  
The Government actions and levers to enable such development are:  WT/TPR/M/3 91/Add.1  
 
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  • The availability of a favourable environment  in the form of technical assistance such as 
technology facilitation  for food  production and innovation e.g., technology solution 
centers to support food innovation, strong food testing capacity etc.  
• The identification and implementation of sustainable and "green " production  
processes to enable Suriname's food production sector to avail itself of a high label of 
quality (and safety).  
- The modernization and upgrade of the food regulatory environment such that 
Suriname's food safety and quality standards and their enforcement are equivalent 
to international  best practices: New simplified and modernized Food Laws, 
regulations and associated standards  
- The simplification of the regulatory oversight where applicable (single agency) and 
its accessibility to stakeholders and producers (clear directives and guidel ines widely 
disseminated and well communicated)  
- The adoption and alignment of Suriname's food standards with Codex (International 
standards) and the requirements of export markets  
- The implementation of food standards with an incremental enforcement approa ch, 
with a focus on compliance promotion  through education and guidance supported by 
a fair and trustworthy enforcement approach (VADE approach: Voluntary 
compliance, Assisted Compliance, Directed Compliance and full Enforcement)  
- Securing market access to  foreign markets.  
  WT/TPR/M/3 91/Add.1  
 
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  SINGAPORE  
WT/TPR/S/391  
Trade Policy Formulation and Objectives  
Page 19 , paragraph  2.28 
2.28 Aside from clusters in the traditional economic and wealth -creating sectors, such as 
mining, agriculture and forestry, many new ones have been e armarked for capacity 
development and support. These are:  
• palm -oil, coconut, cassava and cocoa production;  
• pineapple and acai berry production;  
• aquaculture, in particular fish, shrimp and ornamental fish;  
• processing of wood by -products and waste;  
• environme ntal use and repair of forests;  
• food, drink and chemical industry;  
• regional transit of goods; and  
• tourism and creative industries.  
1. The WTO Secretariat Report notes that Suriname has identified the need to provide 
"capacity development and support " for "regional transit of goods ".  
Question  
Could Suriname further elaborate why regional transit of goods has been earmarked as a 
priority,  and how Suriname intends to provide capacity development and support to 
improve the regional transit of goods?  
Answer  
We have geographically located and as such we intend to be a regional trade hub for the Caribbean 
and South America, seen also our histor ical trade ties with Europe and Africa. The implementation 
of the SESW to simply and make more efficient the transit of goods to and from our harbour. This 
is being done in cooperation with a Singapore based company.  
WT/TPR/G/391  
Trade Facilitation  
Page 1 1, paragraph s 5.9 to 5.11  
5.9. In this regard Suriname started the development and implementation of our 
Electronic Single Window with a public and private partnership initiative. The aim of this 
system is to increase transparency and reduce time and admi nistrative procedures. This 
in line with the policy of the government to transform the whole government system into 
a excellence government model according to the Baldrige model.  
5.10. In this context, the SURINAME Electronic Single Window (SESW) is very important 
because the provision of services by the government with regard to the import, export 
and transit of goods makes electronically more efficient and reduces costs.  WT/TPR/M/3 91/Add.1  
 
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  The advantage s: 
• It reduces the time when trade procedures are settled because the government 
departments are electronically connected.  
• It promotes interactions and understanding between government departments 
involved in the import, export, and transition of products.  
• It facilitates the tracing of documents through a tracking system and it can be 
checked at what stage and at which governmental authority or service the 
process is located.  
• It promotes the collection of import duties and other government transaction 
costs.  
• It reduces the costs of the government, because there is a transition from paper 
to digital services via ICT.  
5.11. For the trader and production companies this means that procedures run faster and 
all processes up to and including customs clearance and r elease of goods run faster. The 
trader does not have to submit the documents to the authorities in person, but can do 
everything from his computer or mobile. The trader can use this system to gain access to 
all necessary trade -related documents via a singl e digital log -in to the relevant authorities 
and send them to Customs, Ministry of Agriculture, Bureau Public Health and the Ministry 
of Trade, Industry and Tourism, the Import, Export and Foreign Exchange Control 
department. On -duty officials can check th e documentation electronically and in turn 
inform the trader electronically of the result of the processing process. The Suriname 
Electronic Single Window will electronically connect the trader and the public authorities.  
Question  
2. We welcome Suriname's  implementation of the SURINAME Electronic Single Window 
(SESW). Could the Suriname indicate:  
(a) how long, on average, does it take for the SESW takes to approve a permit; 
 and 
(b) how much time savings has the SESW resulted for traders?  
Answer  
The Norma l approval for a permit depends to one day to two weeks dependant on the kind of 
commodity. The soft launch of the SESW will be in the end of September. We don't have the data 
yet to indicate the exact time of approval, but we expect that with the full imp lementation of the 
SESW the processing time will improve significantly.  
 
  WT/TPR/M/3 91/Add.1  
 
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  TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO  
WT/TPR/G/391  
Page 3 paragraph  1.5 
1. "The Suriname Electronic Single Window (SESW) will be implemented as of 
September 2019. This facility/platform will allow parties involved in trade and transport 
to lodge standardized information and documents with a single entry point to fulfill all 
import , export, and transit -related regulatory requirements. There will be a monitoring of 
processing export and import consignments whereby clearing agents/custom brokers and 
other agencies on the platform will be notified on the progress of processing their 
consignments; this will enhance transparency and predictability. " 
Comment  
Trinidad and Tobago wishes to commend Suriname on the finalization and implementation 
of its Electronic Single Window (ESW). Trinidad and Tobago recognizes the economic 
setbacks faced by Suriname as a developing country and applauds the efforts made 
towards streamlining import, export and transit procedures, and the fulfillment of its 
commitments under the WTO Agreement on Trade Facilitation (TFA).  
Page 11 paragraph  5.7 
2. "To cut trading  costs and time, the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Tourism in 
cooperation with the Ministry of Finance is setting up an Electronic Single Window (ESW) 
in order to transparently process relevant documents related to the import, export and 
transit of goods ." 
Comment  
Given that the SESW is expected to be implemented in September 2019, Trinidad and 
Tobago would wish to enquire about any best practices or lessons learned that Suriname 
may wish to share from achieving this major milestone towards creating a mor e 
facilitative trade and business climate.  
Page 32 paragraph  3.46 
"Due to the lack of a risk analysis system to identify and inspect high -risk shipments, all 
exports continue to be subject to physical inspection. According to the World Bank's Doing 
Busine ss 2018, the average time to export is 84 hours for border compliance and 12 hours 
for documentary compliance. " 
Comment  
Trinidad and Tobago is aware that designing and implementing a risk management system 
is a robust undertaking, especially for developing  WTO Members such as Suriname. In 
light of this, Trinidad and Tobago would wish to encourage Suriname to continue to seek 
out donor funding for large projects under the TFA such as a risk management system.  
Comment Suriname  
We welcome the suggestions and r ecommendations made by Trinidad and Tobago. And will be taken 
those on board when developing our policy.  
  WT/TPR/M/3 91/Add.1  
 
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  DOMINICAN REPUBLIC  
WT/TPR/S/391  
2 REGÍMENES DE COMER CIO E INVERSIÓN  
2.3 Acuerdos y Arreglos Comerciales  
2.3.3 Acuerdo de Asociación Económica UE -CARIFORUM  
Pág. 22  
Párrafo  2.41 "Además del comercio de mercancías, el AAE abarca el comercio de servicios, 
las inversiones, la propiedad intelectual, la transparencia en la contratación pública, la 
competencia y la ayuda al desarrollo. Están excluidos los sectores de tratamiento de 
mater iales nucleares, el comercio de armas, los servicios audiovisuales, el cabotaje 
marítimo nacional y los derechos de tráfico aéreo. En el anexo IV F del Acuerdo se 
enumeran las limitaciones del acceso a los mercados y del trato nacional aplicables al 
comerc io de servicios. Suriname aplica el AAE con carácter provisional, a la espera de su 
ratificación, que, según las autoridades, está prevista para julio de 2019. " 
Question  
1. ¿Puede Suriname  comunicar el estatus del proceso de ratificación del Acuerdo de 
Asociación Económica (AAE) entre la Unión Europea y el CARIFORUM (CARICOM más la 
República Dominicana), que estaba prevista para julio de 2019?   
Answer  
It will be put on the agenda of Parliam ent.  
3 POLÍTICAS Y PRÁCTI CAS COMERCIALES POR MEDIDAS  
3.1 Medidas que Afectan Directamente a las Importaciones  
3.1.3 Aranceles  
3.1.3.1 Aranceles NMF aplicados  
Pág. 28  
Párrafo  3.18. "Los aranceles NMF de Suriname  no han variado desde el último examen. 
Aplica el AEC de la CARICOM, pero mantiene restricciones en el marco de la Listas A y C 
de la CARICOM. Los tipos del AEC para los productos incluidos en la Lista A, que abarcan 
96 líneas arancelarias al nivel de 8 dí gitos, se han suspendido por tiempo indeterminado, 
lo que permite a cada uno de los miembros de la CARICOM establecer sus propios tipos 
más bajos. Para los productos que figuran en la Lista C, que abarcan 224 líneas 
arancelarias al nivel de 8 dígitos, los miembros de la CARICOM pueden establecer tipos 
superiores a los mínimos convenidos. " 
Question  
2. ¿La Secretaría General de la Comunidad del Caribe (CARICOM) notificó su Arancel 
Externo Común (AEC) a la Organización Mundial del Comercio?   
 
Answer  
No, every Mem ber States is responsible for their own tariff schedule. The CARICOM Secretariat is 
not a member of the WTO.  WT/TPR/M/3 91/Add.1  
 
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  Question  
3. ¿Pueden los miembros de la CARICOM, aplicar suspensiones y excepciones al AEC a 
países fuera de la comunidad?  
Answer  
Suspension can only be applied for a limited period and only on products with specific approval of 
the Council of CARICOM Trade Ministers.  
3.1.6 Medidas antidumping, compensatorias y de salvaguardia  
Pág. 35  
Párrafo  3.42. "No tiene legislación específica s obre medidas antidumping, compensatorias 
o de salvaguardia. No obstante, la Ley de Circulación de Mercancías contiene disposiciones 
que permiten la adopción de medidas antidumping, que pueden introducirse si las 
importaciones causan un daño grave a las emp resas existentes o retrasan la puesta en 
marcha de un nuevo sector de actividad comercial. La Ley también prevé la aplicación de 
medidas de salvaguardia cuando el aumento de las importaciones ponga o amenace poner 
en situación de grave desventaja a los pro ductores nacionales de productos similares o 
competidores. No hay reglamentos detallados en los que se establezcan las condiciones y 
los procedimientos para decidir la imposición y aplicación de medidas antidumping o de 
salvaguardia. " 
Question  
4. ¿Si no existen leyes, ni reglamentos detallados en los procedimientos para decidir la 
imposición y aplicación de medidas antidumping y de salvaguardias, ha implementado 
Suriname este tipo de medidas y bajo que disposiciones la ha realizado?  
Answer  
Surin ame did not apply any anti - dumping and safeguards measures. Suriname is seeking technical 
assistance in notifications and development of trade defense measures policies.  
  WT/TPR/M/3 91/Add.1  
 
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  DOMINICAN REPUBLIC – ADDITIONAL  QUESTIONS  
WT/TPR/S/391  
2 REGÍMENES DE COMERCIO E INVERSIÓN  
2.3 Acuerdos y Arreglos Comerciales  
2.3.2 Acuerdos regionales y preferenciales  
Pág. 22  
Párrafo  2.38 "La CARICOM ha suscrito acuerdos comerciales con Venezuela (1992), 
Colombia (1994), la República Dominicana (1998) y Costa Rica (2004),  y un acuerdo de 
cooperación comercial y económica con Cuba (2000). No todos han sido notificados a la 
OMC porque, según las autoridades, todavía no se han ratificado. " 
Question  
1. ¿Cuáles son los pasos que ha dado Suriname  ante la Organización Mundial del 
Comercio (OMC) con el objetivo de notificar el Tratado de Libre Comercio suscrito y 
vigente entre la República Dominicana y la Comunidad del Caribe (TLC RD - CARICOM)?  
Answer  
The CARICOM secretariat is coordinating with Member States to have a harmonized notification of 
the CARICOM – DR FTA.   
3 POLÍTICAS Y PRÁCTI CAS COMERCIALES POR MEDIDAS  
3.1 Medidas que Afectan Directamente a las Importaciones  
3.1.3 Aranceles  
3.1.3.1 Arancel es NMF aplicados  
Pág. 22  
Párrafo  2.41. "Además del comercio de mercancías, el AAE abarca el comercio de 
servicios, las inversiones, la propiedad intelectual, la transparencia en la contratación 
pública, la competencia y la ayuda al desarrollo. Están exclui dos los sectores de 
tratamiento de materiales nucleares, el comercio de armas, los servicios audiovisuales, el 
cabotaje marítimo nacional y los derechos de tráfico aéreo. En el anexo IV F del Acuerdo 
se enumeran las limitaciones del acceso a los mercados y  del trato nacional aplicables al 
comercio de servicios. Suriname aplica el AAE con carácter provisional, a la espera de su 
ratificación, que, según las autoridades, está prevista para julio de 2019. " 
Question  
2. En seguimiento a la implementación del Acuerdo de Asociación Económica UE -
CARIFORUM, ¿cuándo prevé implementar el compromiso de (manera provisional o 
permanente) aplicación de las preferencias regionales consagradas en el artículo 238 del 
referido Acuerdo?   
Answer  
The Parliam ent has to put the ratification of EPA on the agenda.  WT/TPR/M/3 91/Add.1  
 
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  3.1.1 Procedimientos y requisitos aduaneros y valoración en aduana  
Pág. 27  
Párrafo  3.12. "Suriname  aún no ha ratificado el Acuerdo sobre Facilitación del Comercio 
(AFC). Según las autoridades, ya se ha presentado al Parlamento la legislación pertinente. 
En junio de 2016 se estableció un Comité Nacional de Facilitación del Comercio. " 
Question  
3. ¿Para cuán do se espera la ratificación del Acuerdo de Facilitación del Comercio ante 
OMC?  
Answer  
The draft legislation on TFA has been put forward to the Council of Ministers. After their approval is 
obtained we can start the process of ratification of the agreement by Parliament.   
4.4 Servicios  
Pág. 65  
Párrafo  4.77. "Los servicios constituyen la prin cipal actividad económica de Suriname y 
en el período 2012 -2017 representaron de manera constante cerca del 55% del PIB. 
Alrededor de dos tercios de la población activa está empleada en diversos subsectores de 
servicios, entre los que predomina el comercio  mayorista y minorista. En los últimos años, 
los hoteles y restaurantes y otros servicios relacionados con el turismo han 
experimentado un crecimiento considerable. La balanza comercial de los servicios ha sido 
sistemáticamente negativa, con una relación m edia entre exportaciones e importaciones 
de 1:3 en 2016 y 2017 e incluso de 1:4 en 2015 ." 
Question  
4. ¿Es de interés de la República Dominicana conocer la experiencia de Suriname ante 
el reto de registrar y cuantificar las exportaciones de servicios en sus di ferentes modos 
de prestación?  
Answer  
Suriname doesn't have a proper database to monitor services statistics, in that regards we are 
working with the CARICOM in developing a regional services database.  
4.4.4 Transporte  
4.4.4.1 Transporte marítimo  
Pág. 71  
Párrafo  4.113. "Suriname tiene planes de gran alcance para seguir aumentando su 
capacidad portuaria – en particular en Paramaribo, Nieuw Nickerie y Para  - con el fin de 
servir de centro regional ." 
Question  
5. ¿Cuáles son los planes de gran alcance que está ejecutando la Autoridad Marítima 
de Suriname, para aumentar su capacidad portuaria?  WT/TPR/M/3 91/Add.1  
 
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  Answer   
The Maritime Transport Sector in Suriname is in a development stage. Several projects that could 
potentially affect or boost the further development of the Maritime Sector in Suriname are the 
dredging of the Suriname River and Nickerie River and the develo pment of transport services 
relevant for the Offshore Oil and Gas Industry.  
 
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